Ryburn Valley High School
Academy converter secondary school in Sowerby Bridge (Calderdale).
Location
iSchool location from Get Information about Schools. Nearby schools are coloured by phase. Open Map+ for a full-screen map with neighbourhood deprivation (England only).About
At Ryburn, we believe in the power of individual potential. Our school is built on four fundamental values that guide everything we do: honesty, kindness, respect, and endeavour. Our motto, 'Strive to Excel', isn't just a phrase—it's a promise.
We challenge our students to push boundaries, embrace opportunities, and develop the skills and confidence to succeed in an ever-changing world. We expect the very best from our students and staff. This means: Our core purpose is simple yet profound: to inspire young people with a genuine love of learning, a zest for life, and the confidence to excel.
At Ryburn, everyone matters. Every dream counts. And we're committed to helping every student transform their potential into remarkable achievement. We recognise and support the diverse needs of everyone to create a fully inclusive school which provides equality and a huge range of opportunity for all.
Our students and staff feel part of a vibrant, happy, caring and safe environment built on mutual respect and clear expectations.
In the school’s own words, from the school website.
Enrichment
15 activitiesiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.- Badminton
- Basketball
- Climbing
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Drama
- Film Club
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Karate
- Netball
- Photography
- Stem
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
Awards
3 awardsiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.- ArtsmarkArts and culture
- Quality in CareersRecognised award
- UNICEF Rights Respecting SchoolsChildren's rights
Key facts
- URN
- 141307
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Admissions
- Non-selective
- Sixth form
- Has a sixth form
- Nursery
- No Nursery Classes
- Local authority
- Calderdale
- Constituency
- Halifax
- Setting
- Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
- Opened
- 2014
Governing body (8 current, 6 former)
iAcademy trust: local governing body and trust board.Leadership
| Name | Role | How appointed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr Terry Siddle | Chair of Local Governing Body | Appointed by GB/board | since 2026 · until 2029 |
| Mrs Sarah Hughes Former | Chair of Local Governing Body | Appointed by GB/board | since 2023 · term ended 2026 |
Full governing body
| Name | Role | How appointed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Sean Kelly | Local Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2026 · until 2030 |
| Mrs Rachel Edwards | Local Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mr Paul Marshall | Local Governor | Elected by school staff | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mrs Julie Kendall | Local Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mrs Georgina Pidgeon | Local Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mr Nathan Mulhall | Local Governor | Elected by school staff | since 2024 · until 2028 |
| Headteacher Donna Louise Watkins | Local Governor | Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal | since 2023 |
| Mr Terry Siddle Former | Local Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · term ended 2026 |
| Dr Sean Kelly Former | Local Governor | Elected by parents | since 2024 · term ended 2026 |
| Mr Ross McGill Former | Local Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2023 · term ended 2026 |
| Mrs Sarah Hughes Former | Local Governor | Elected by parents | since 2023 · term ended 2026 |
| Mr Daniel Price Former | Local Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2023 · term ended 2025 |
Source: Department for Education, Get Information about Schools (governance records, as at 25 October 2026). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Names are shown as published; there are no addresses or contact details. Current and former are worked out from term end dates when the page loads. Object or ask for removal · Report an issue with this record