Duchy College, Harrogate Overview
Duchy College, Harrogate will be the new name for Harrogate Ladies’ College starting in September 2026. While the school was originally established as a girls’ school in 1893, it will begin its transition to co-education by welcoming both boys and girls into Year 7 and Year 12 from 2026.
The school takes pride in its culturally diverse community, which includes students from over 24 different countries. International students at Duchy College benefit from an authentic British educational experience and a high-quality education that is globally recognized, preparing them for entry to top universities in the UK and worldwide.
Duchy College offers a small, caring environment where every student is valued as an individual. In addition to fostering academic excellence, the school places a strong emphasis on student well-being, believing that happy students achieve more academically. This approach allows pupils to gain confidence and the freedom to be themselves, supported by a community that knows each student personally—much like a family.
With its inclusive and supportive ethos, Duchy College, Harrogate continues to build on its legacy while embracing an exciting future as a co-educational institution.
Harrogate is a safe, wealthy, cosmopolitan town with beautiful historic buildings and large open spaces and parks. It has a vibrant café culture and exclusive shops and boutiques. The school is located 5 minutes’ walk away from the centre of Harrogate meaning that girls attending the school are able to enjoy being part of a British community. The school is 15 minutes from Leeds Bradford airport which offers shuttle flights to London Heathrow (35 minutes) and Amsterdam (70 minutes). Manchester airport is also just 90 minutes’ drive and the school provides escorted travel to and from all airports for pupils.
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Duchy College, Harrogate Programmes
- 2 Year A level programmes
- 2 Year GCSE programmes
- 1 Year GCSE programme
- English as an Additional Language Support
- Dedicated Business School
- Specialist centre for STEM subjects (TeenTech Centre of Excellence)
Duchy College, Harrogate Academic Results
A Level
- A*-A: 25%
- A*-B: 60%
GCSE
- A record 22% of all grades were 9s, while over a third of pupils achieved five or more 9-7 grades.
‧Top UK exam results for Creative Arts
‧75% gain offers from Russell Group universities
Duchy College, Harrogate Extracurricular
Life at Duchy College provides students with opportunities to excel beyond the classroom in various specialist fields, including sports, drama, and music. International students are encouraged to engage in the broader opportunities available at the school.
Performing Arts
Duchy College is known for its strong musical focus, featuring a dedicated Music House with over 20 practice and rehearsal rooms. Students participate in diverse musical groups, including orchestras and ensembles, and the choir is recognized as one of the top school choirs in the UK, having reached the semi-finals in the School Choir of the Year Competition. There are also numerous drama opportunities through annual productions and inter-house competitions, helping students build confidence.
Creative Arts
The Art, Textiles, and Photographic studios allow students to explore and enhance their creative skills. An annual trip to Venice inspires much of the work in the Creative Arts departments, and many students pursue successful careers in the Arts and Fashion industries.
Sports for All
The college offers excellent sports facilities for football, cricket, basketball, netball, tennis, athletics, cross country, and swimming, with many students competing at regional and national levels.
Duchy College, Harrogate Boarding
Studying overseas often places international students far from their homes and families. Therefore, boarding at Duchy College focuses on the concepts of “family” and “home.” Boarders live in traditional family settings and benefit from an extended family of boarding staff who care for and support them, along with a diverse group of boarding friends.
While being away from home can be challenging, especially at first, experienced boarding staff are available to help students adjust. They quickly make friends and settle into their home away from home.
The transition can also be difficult for parents, but boarding staff offer support and keep parents informed about their child’s happiness and well-being. Boarding at Duchy College is a unique experience, fostering a warm, nurturing, family environment that helps students build confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships.
Duchy College, Harrogate - The Weekend Programme
Weekends at Duchy College are special and significant. They provide students with opportunities to try new things, visit new places, develop skills, build confidence, and strengthen friendships.
The college has a dedicated Weekend Programme with a wide range of activities, including cultural experiences, active pursuits, and social events. This programme is designed to allow everyone to try something new and exciting.
In addition, there are over 50 clubs and societies available throughout the week for international students. Extended trips are also offered during the year, allowing students to explore other parts of Europe, such as Italy, France, Germany, and Spain.
All international students are encouraged to participate in these activities and trips, as they are an important part of the overall experience at Duchy College.
Duchy College, Harrogate Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.hlc.org.uk/
- Location: Clarence Dr, Harrogate HG1 2QG, United Kingdom
- Email address: enquire@hlc.org.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)1423 504543
