Pupils at Aysgarth School

Aysgarth School is joining Rugby School Group from 1 July.

Aysgarth is a co-educational day and boarding prep school in Bedale, North Yorkshire, with 220 pupils aged between three and 13, with full boarding for some Years 7 and 8 pupils.

Rugby School is a co-educational day and boarding secondary school in Rugby, Warwickshire with 870 pupils.

The two schools have a close relationship with many Aysgarth pupils joining Rugby for their secondary education.

Aysgarth School will keep its name, identity and uniform, and its teaching and support staff. Its leadership and management teams will remain in place.

Rugby School Group stated it will explore opportunities for Aysgarth pupils to access Rugby’s resources, either through Aysgarth pupils visiting Rugby to use its facilities or Rugby staff visiting Aysgarth.

The schools denied the merger was motivated by financial need or declining pupil numbers. In a statement the schools said: “Both Rugby and Aysgarth are experiencing growing pupil rolls. The collaboration strengthens Rugby’s ability to provide the highest-quality education across the Group while Aysgarth will maintain its unique identity and traditions.”

Aysgarth will be the second prep school to become a member of Rugby School Group, joining Bilton Grange with which Rugby merged in 2020.

Other schools in the Rugby School Group are Rugby School Thailand which opened in 2017, Rugby School Japan which opened in 2023, and Rugby School Nigeria which opens for Year 12 pupils in September this year, and in September next year for Years 7 to 11.

Pupils at Rugby School