ILKLEY'S Ghyll Royd School is making a millennium move after more than 100 years in the town.

The Gazette can reveal the Grove Road-based independent day school for boys will start the new century in a Burley-in-Wharfedale six-acre site.

The school, which is operated by a charitable trust, has bought Greystone Manor for an undisclosed fee, opposite the Generous Pioneer pub on the Burley-in-Wharfedale bypass.

The current site will be developed for housing.

Staff and parents are delighted with the prospect of a new home - a home which is scheduled to be ready in January 2000, following extensive refurbishment.

Governor Elaine Ramsey said: "A school is far more than just bricks and mortar. This really is excellent news. The school will retain its wonderful ethos."

Mrs Ramsey said: "This is something that is positive for the community. When we took over the school last year we were determined to secure longevity. The school has existed for more than 100 years. We want to see it thrive for another 100 years."

She said: "The building is set in a six-acre site allowing for the substantial development of both indoor and outdoor sporting facilities. Once completed a modern working environment within a very traditional building will be provided for the children's education and enjoyment."

The school, which caters for boys aged two to 11, will continue to operate from Grove Road until the end of the year.

The move has also delighted school head teacher Jennifer Bonner. She said: "A significant increase in numbers over the last year has highlighted the strong demand within the local community for a boys school and our close working relationship with Moorfield School for girls allows us to explore many joint opportunities."

Tish Burton, head teacher of Moorfield School, said: "We are delighted to support Ghyll Royd in all its plans for the new site and look forward to working closely with the re-established school.

"Together we can offer the boys and girls in this area an education of the highest possible standard."

The Grove Road campus has been bought by Victor Homes Ltd, who will seek to redevelop the site.

Ghyll Royd currently has 50 pupils on its books but the new school will be able to take about 100 youngsters. Mrs Bonner said: "It is a perfect location and a great start to the new century."

Mrs Ramsey said it was marvellous how the school's future had been secured and was a credit to the determination and commitment shown by parents when the previous owners decided to sell up last year.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.