School Visit Review: Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College from September 2026)
- Independent Education Consultants
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
A visit to Harrogate Ladies’ College is always a warm, friendly, and professional experience.
The school’s ethos, encapsulated in the message “I am me”, resonates loud and clear throughout the school campus. It’s evident not only in classroom interactions and wall displays, but also in every conversation with staff, from teachers and housemistresses to the receptionist and admissions team.
In my opinion, it’s the warmth, expertise and commitment of the people which inspires children in a school, and this school has this by the bucket full. ‘That feeling’ that a school is right for your child has little to do with buildings - it’s the ethos, values, and the people who bring these to life. The consistent theme at HLC is clear: a deep commitment to valuing each child’s strengths, ambitions, and individuality. Pupils are nurtured and encouraged to be themselves, while being challenged to achieve strong academic outcomes, as well as to become the best version of themselves.
The Headmistress, Joanna Fox, provides aspirational, friendly leadership, setting the tone for the school’s inclusive and ambitious culture. You can hear her speak about this in our video interview, filmed in Doris, our Land Rover Defender.
The school campus is in a leafy, residential area, within an easy walk of the spa town of Harrogate. Teaching classrooms are bright and airy, with the sort of art and textiles room which makes you want to go back to school and become a painter or fashion designer. Stem subjects are a key feature within the curriculum, with an inspiring programme of opportunities to inspire young engineers and scientists. The business school is thriving with guest lecturers sharing experiences of entrepreneurship. Opportunities for sport, music, drama and other co-curricular interests are extensive.
The boarding houses are cosy and welcoming, with lots of common spaces for relaxation and coming together as a community, contributing to the school’s homely atmosphere. Harrogate itself is a picturesque spa town that feels safe and accessible, offering a balanced environment — neither too remote nor overly urban.
Over the years, the 28-acre campus has grown to include a science block, gymnasium, sports hall, astroturf pitch, and the co-educational Highfield Prep School.
From September 2026, the school will transition to Duchy College, educating children from ages 2 to 18 as one school. Whilst continuing co-education in up to year 6, boys will begin joining the senior school in Years 7 and 12, with a phased approach to becoming fully co-educational across all year groups over time.
Exciting developments are underway, including the refurbishment of a new Sixth Form Centre, which will provide a dedicated space for years 12 and 13 for study, socialising, and refreshments at The Hub. The new Design and Technology area opens in 2026, extending opportunities in both computing and design.
There are strong subject offerings in Textiles, Arts, Business, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and STEM. Whilst BTECs are not offered, there’s an individualised approach to A-Level subject selection, ensuring each student is supported in building a successful pathway to university or a chosen career, via the best subject combination for them.
If you’re looking for a small school, with big ambitions, where both academic highflyers, and those who need more nurturing support for neurodiversity, will achieve their true potential and become the best version of themselves. HLC, as it moves towards co-ed Duchy College in 2026, is certainly one to visit, to meet the people and community who make the ethos and values come to life.
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