Pocklington School

Additional Information

Pocklington is an inclusive, family focussed and academic school that offers incredible experiences inside and outside the classroom. We believe in encouraging pupils to seize opportunities from the broad range of activities we offer. Along with our approach to teaching and learning, these help to form the bedrock of our young Pocklingtonians’ character and grow the qualities that support our values. Our sense of community, care for each other and pride in the school is tangible. This is no more evident than in our outstanding boarding provision. At the heart of this ethos lie our Values and Virtues. They drive all that we do at Pocklington and mean our pupils leave with a deep sense of social responsibility and the ability to shape their own future.  

Pocklington School lies 12 miles east of York on the edge of a vibrant, friendly market town, on a 50-acre campus with good public transport links and its own bus service. The school, founded in 1514, blends strong traditions with innovation and flexibility, encouraging pupils to have the courage to take chances with their learning and achieve the best that they can.  

Numerous co-curricular activities for day and boarding pupils take place every day until 5pm, and each pupil is encouraged to pursue their own interests to help develop the depth of character and self-awareness to tackle life’s challenges on their own terms. Facilities include a 300-seat theatre, an indoor sports hall, strength and conditioning room and swimming pool, plus 21-acres of grass sports pitches and two full-sized synthetic pitches. Full, weekly and part-time boarding options are available, in outstanding boarding houses that create a home from home for all our boarders.  

Right through from Prep School, where the Curiosity Project curriculum enables children to expand their critical thinking skills through structured and creative enquiry, to the Sixth Form where independent thought is prized, our pupils are encouraged to be resilient, resourceful learners. To support the school’s strategic goal of further improving academic performance, increasing pupils’ independence and meeting the needs of modern family life, pupils engage in a 5-day academic week, Monday to Friday. Saturdays are reserved for sports fixtures, and boarders enjoy a full weekend programme of activities and trips. 

We employ the best educational tools and new technology to ensure youngsters are enthused and inspired by the world of knowledge available to them. Our Art and Design Technology Centre has every facility to encourage the pursuit of traditional arts and crafts, as well as providing cutting-edge equipment for digital and computer design, and manufacturing technology.  An individual approach, supported by flexible learning platforms allows each pupil to progress at their own pace, boosting their confidence and self-esteem so they often exceed their expectations.  

Our Sixth Form has spacious communal areas, a study centre, and a comprehensive library. Students are encouraged to work both collaboratively and independently as they begin to make the transition to university study and/or workplace success.  

Recent former pupils who retain links with the school include Davis Cup winner Kyle Edmund, England rugby star Rob Webber and world-renowned concert pianist Alexandra Dariescu.  

We aim to instil the Pocklington Values and Virtues into all our pupils, to engage with our families and support them in raising the Pocklingtonians of tomorrow and to be open to innovation, conscious of tradition and so secure our Foundation’s future.