GIGGLESWICK School has been named one of Country Life magazine’s top 25 UK small independent schools for ‘punching above its weight’.

The 400-pupil co-educational day and boarding school near Settle was chosen for the accolade for holding its own among much larger independent schools in terms of academic results, facilities and individuality.

This follows on from Giggleswick’s consistent inclusion in the UK’s best known go-to publications and lists for parents assessing potential schools. It has been in Tatler’s School Guide every year for the last 17 years, plus The Good Schools Guide and The Telegraph’s Top Prep Schools.

Headmaster Mark Turnbull said: “We’re delighted to make it into Country Life’s ‘Small but Mighty’ feature. We’re particularly proud of our academic achievements as a non-selective school and 500-year heritage. The article also gave recognition to our extensive facilities to match much bigger schools, which include a professional-standard theatre, climbing wall, mountain bike track, historic chapel and a golf course for our pupils to enjoy.

“It is incredible how our small school in the Yorkshire Dales is renowned nationally and internationally. Our classes are small and our teaching is individual, and every pupil gets to explore their individual talents and skills through our broad curriculum. We believe it takes a village to raise a child and the Giggleswick community is supportive, caring and child centred.”