Author Archives: Kate Tyson
The new term began with the school covered in snow. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our colleagues, students and families for your patience, flexibility and hard work shown as we responded to the ever changing forecasts.
Thankfully the snow has disappeared (and beautiful as it was) and the term has already proved to be a vibrant one. Mock examinations have been keeping our Year 11 and 13 students busy and we wish them well as they receive their results shortly. Year 13 are also continuing to receive offers from excellent universities and are leading by example with their diligent approach to their studies.
Our athletes have been working exceptionally hard in difficult conditions, demonstrating true Yorkshire grit both on and off the field. Earlier this month, they returned from the Northern Championships with six medals, including several personal bests. Congratulations to Mr Harrop and his students. Other fixtures have also begun for hockey, rugby and netball. Good luck to each team this term.
In Performing Arts, rehearsals are progressing well for our forthcoming production of Animal Farm, which will be staged on 2 and 3 February. As a historian, I am particularly fascinated by Orwell’s allegory of the Russian Revolution, and I very much look forward to seeing the story brought to life by our talented students, with words and music by our drama consultant Mr Alex Weatherhill.
A rather different, though no less anticipated, production is also in the making. The Staff Pantomime, Cinderella, will take place on 12 and 13 March. Featuring a cast of highly committed and surprisingly versatile staff from across the school – some in very unexpected roles – it promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable occasion. I apologise in advance for being a wicked stepmother and please try not to laugh when you see the rather bad costume. However, all money raised will be for our theatre that will begin to be renovated in July. I am sure that you will enjoy meeting our Ugly Sisters and discovering who will be Prince Charming and Cinderella. Further details will follow shortly, so please do keep an eye on your inboxes.
Happy belated New Year and here’s to a wonderful 2026 for your children, community and our school.
This past fortnight has certainly been memorable, even if it came with more snow than any of us anticipated. My sincere thanks to all our families for your patience, understanding and support on Thursday. We are fortunate to be a Google Classroom school, allowing learning to continue when the weather is less than cooperative.
We will always do our utmost to remain open and I am grateful to our Estates team for all their hard work to ensure that this happened. The safety and wellbeing of our students must always come first. No school day is worth an unsafe journey, and I am grateful to everyone who helped us navigate the disruption sensibly and calmly.
The last two weeks have been extraordinarily busy and filled with moments that remind us of the strength and spirit of our College community. Our Remembrance Day service was a particularly poignant occasion. Reading the Roll of Honour for both Scarborough College and Bramcote is always a humbling responsibility for our students, and our choir delivered an emotional performance befitting the day.
Their voices were once again in fine form at Prize Giving last Saturday, where they performed beautifully. We were honoured to welcome Olympian Mr Roger Black MBE as our excellent guest speaker. His message, focused on resilience in the face of adversity and the importance of perseverance, certainly resonated with our values as a school.
A special mention must go to our current and former Heads of School, Anouk and Toby, both of whom spoke with great composure. It was a pleasure to see them at the lectern, and they are great leaders.
Prize Giving was followed by the ever-popular OSA Ball on Saturday evening. It was a joy to see so many Old Scardeburgians return. They included a reunion group from the Class of 2015 celebrating ten years since leaving Scarborough College. Their presence was a powerful reminder that the friendships formed here endure long after school days are over. My thanks to everyone who attended and to The Mix Tapes – led by one of our own music teachers, Mr Dave Hughes – for keeping the dance floor full all night.
Our sports teams have continued to excel, even by our high standards. The senior teams led the way with outstanding performances across the board. Our Netball 1st VII team remains unbeaten and has moved to the top of the league, while in hockey the boys were crowned North East Indoor Champions. Our girls narrowly missed out in the final on penalties of the U18 Indoor National Qualifiers, despite winning seven games and drawing one. Good luck to the boys in London, where the best eight teams in the country compete over two days.
Rugby has also delivered some memorable moments. The 1st XV won 17-7 in what may have been the coldest game in years to defeat Pocklington and secure a national plate quarter finals place. However, it is the U14s that continue to set records. They reached a national quarter final, following a 38-10 win against St Peter’s, 57-0 against Barnard Castle and a comfortable victory against Hymers. Perhaps the highlight of the week was watching the U8s playing in their first ever festival of rugby.
It is this attitude that was recognised in our recent ISI inspection. The full report has been circulated, and we were delighted that the inspection team highlighted the self-esteem and confidence of our students, as well as the commitment of our staff to promoting the positive wellbeing and physical and mental health of every young person in our care. Inspectors also picked out the impressive progress our children make academically at all ages, including in formal examinations. It was a lovely report and I thank every member of the Scarborough College family.
With upcoming performances of Six the Musical and the annual Carol Services for both Senior and Prep School, as well as many more sports fixtures, I am sure that this term will continue to be vibrant.
The past couple of weeks at Scarborough College have been incredibly busy, but also deeply rewarding.
First and foremost, I must thank everyone who played a part in our recent ISI inspection. While the final report will take some time to be published, it was a real joy to showcase our family school, and in particular, our brilliant student body. Their energy, achievements, and true Yorkshire Grit are what make Scarborough College so special. A huge thank you to our colleagues too. They are incredibly dedicated people, with whom I am lucky to work.
This week, I had the opportunity to attend the HMC Annual Conference in Wales, where I met with fellow Heads from across the country. It was an invaluable chance to reflect on the challenges and opportunities currently facing the independent school sector. A particular highlight was catching up with one of my predecessors, Mr Charles Ellison, who sends his very best wishes to all current and former Scarborough College students and families.
Of course, while it is always inspiring to be away learning from colleagues, it is even better to return home to our own school community, which continues to thrive in a challenging environment. A great example of our ongoing drive for success is that our Upper Sixth students are already hard at work with their UCAS applications and university visits. Once again, there is great interest in my own alma mater, Durham University, where three of our former Heads of School are already studying. My thanks go to Miss Katie Cooke, Miss Emma Speake and Mrs Anna Lowe for working closely and tirelessly with the students.
Last week also saw the official launch of the Scarborough College Foundation, with an event focused on the redevelopment of Lisvane Hall and the future of the Arts at the College. Guests were treated to some truly outstanding performances from our musicians – thank you to Avi, Dexter, Sarah, Aryana, Liam, Hollie. The evening also featured a special preview of our forthcoming musical, Six Teen Edition, with both casts delivering a dazzling performance. My congratulations to Tiffany, Connie, Niamh, Molly, Blossom, Ellie, Kendall, Lily, Molly and Sienna. This promises to be a production not to be missed.
The Foundation represents an important step in supporting our Vision for the Future, and I would encourage anyone who would like to know more, or who feels able to support our fundraising, to reach out either to me directly or to our Foundation Director, Mrs Sarah Hoff. I thank Mrs Hoff for all her hard work and creativity. She is a volunteer and has given many hours to support the Foundation.
Finally, we look forward to rounding off this busy fortnight with our annual whole school Open Day tomorrow. With nearly 100 prospective students registered, it promises to be our busiest Open Day in many years. We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from our student volunteers, and I am hugely grateful to all the parents helping to facilitate their involvement.
Scarborough College is a community that continues to go from strength to strength, and I could not be prouder of everything our students, staff, and families are achieving together.
With best wishes,
Mr Guy Emmett
Headmaster
A Celebration of Engaging Lessons Across the School
One of the highlights of my role at the College is getting to see so many interesting and engaging lessons. This week has seen some truly inspiring teaching and learning taking place across a range of subjects, showcasing the creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking at the heart of our school community. From Year 7 through to Year 13, students have been exploring big ideas, tackling challenging concepts, and developing their skills in a variety of exciting contexts.
Music (Year 12)
Year 12 Music students immersed themselves in the vivid soundscapes of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, exploring how composers use music to evoke the natural world. Through detailed listening and analysis, students uncovered how Vivaldi’s use of melody, harmony, and texture mirrors the changing moods of the seasons, from the joyous birdsong of spring to the icy stillness of winter. The lesson was a perfect example of how music can act as a form of storytelling, bringing abstract ideas to life in ways that words alone cannot.
Physics (Year 8)
Meanwhile, in the Physics lab, Year 8 pupils were hands-on scientists, investigating pressure in liquids and experimenting with why different materials float or sink. Through a series of practical demonstrations, they applied theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, making predictions, testing hypotheses, and refining their understanding through observation and discussion. The buzz of excitement in the room was matched by the clarity with which students could explain their results — proof of learning through doing at its very best.
Theory of Knowledge (Year 13)
My next stop this week was with Year 13, Theory of Knowledge, where students grappled with one of today’s most pressing issues: freedom of speech. Through lively discussion and respectful debate, they explored whether certain kinds of speech should be restricted and, if so, how societies might balance free expression with the need to protect individuals and groups from harm. The lesson encouraged students to think deeply and critically, making connections between philosophical ideas and contemporary global events — a true hallmark of an IB education.
Religious Studies (Year 11)
Year 11 Religious Studies took on another challenging and important topic: Christianity and attitudes towards other groups and religions. The class watched a documentary on the recent Knowsley Suites Hotel disorder, using it as a springboard for thoughtful reflection on prejudice, community tensions, and the role of faith in promoting tolerance and understanding. The discussion that followed was mature and deeply reflective, with students demonstrating both empathy and analytical rigour, whilst promoting Fundamental British Values of tolerance, mutual respect and the rule of law.
English (Year 7)
And my final stop was Year 7 English, where students journeyed back to the world of myths and legends through Michael Morpurgo’s version of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Exploring themes of chivalry, bravery, and morality, they delved into the symbolism and storytelling techniques of this classic tale, considering why such narratives remain powerful and relevant today. The lesson sparked lively conversations and creative responses, blending literary analysis with imagination.
Across all these lessons, what stands out most is the way our teachers and students work together to make learning meaningful. Whether dissecting a piece of music, conducting a science experiment, or debating ethical dilemmas, our classrooms are alive with curiosity, collaboration, and the joy of discovery.
Mr. Alfonso Iannone
Deputy Head (Teaching & Learning)
Head of English
Choosing the right independent school for your child is a major decision, and one of the most effective ways to get a true sense of a school is by attending an Open Day.
Scarborough College’s annual Open Day on Saturday 4 October is designed to give both parents and students an immersive experience of our academic, pastoral, and extracurricular environment. Visitors can explore the campus, see classrooms and facilities, and experience the lively atmosphere that makes Scarborough College unique.
During the day, families meet teachers, pastoral staff, and current students who provide honest insights into life at the College. Tour guides from our Year 7 cohort will take families on a full tour of the school, dropping into departments such as modern foreign languages, history, English and Maths, to enable a real feel for the type of teaching that takes place.
There will be demonstrations of co-curricular activities, from sports to music and drama, show how students develop skills beyond the classroom. Families will also have the opportunity to discover our unique Yorkshire Grit programme as well as the newly launched Surf Academy and our thriving Duke of Edinburgh activities.
For those interested in primary years, the Head of the Prep School Mr Barker and his team are on-hand to answer any questions you may have. The purpose-built Prep School will be buzzing during the day with Autumn crafts, a French cafe and example Maths lessons for those who wish to partake.
Tours of the boarding houses are also available, helping families make informed decisions about the type of school experience they would like their child to enjoy.
Attending an Open Day also allows parents to ask questions about class sizes, pastoral care, or how the College supports students academically and socially. Observing the interaction between students and staff provides reassurance about the school community.
Don’t miss our October Open Day! Book your place now and experience first-hand why Scarborough College is the ideal choice for your child.
FAQ Section:
- Q: What is an independent school Open Day?
A: An independent school Open Day is an event where prospective students and families can tour the campus, meet teachers and students, and learn about academic programmes, boarding, and extracurricular activities.
- Q: Why should I attend an Open Day at Scarborough College?
A: It provides a firsthand experience of academics, co-curricular opportunities, pastoral care, and boarding life, helping parents make informed decisions.
- Q: What should I do to prepare for an Open Day?
A: Plan ahead, prepare questions about academics, pastoral care, boarding, or scholarships, and observe the school community.
- Q: Who can attend the Open Day?
A: Prospective students of all ages, from Nursery to Sixth Form, and their parents or guardians.
- Q: What if I cannot attend the Open Day?
A: Families can arrange a personal tour or attend future events.
I am thrilled to welcome back our parents and guardians, both new and returning, to another exciting year at Scarborough College. The term is already well underway, and it has been a busy and rewarding start.
The academic year has begun with great gusto. Our brand-new classroom block, which houses Art, Design & Technology, and Humanities, is very impressive.This week we enjoyed the opening of our new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), hosted our first pickleball session, which is an enjoyable addition to the wide variety of EPs already available to all of our pupils.
On Wednesday, we launched our new school website. With its modern design, improved Parent Hub, and clearer navigation, it has been built to make information more accessible and to better showcase our vibrant school community. I would encourage you to explore the site and please share your thoughts with us. We are always happy to receive feedback. Thank you to the Marketing team for their hard work on this project.
As ever, we are delighted to welcome the arrival of our new staff members. I know that they have been made to feel part of the College community already, and I must pass on my heartfelt thanks to the entire team for this. On Friday, many parents joined us for our Brewing Ideas session, where we introduced our new Senior Deputy Head, Mr Porter and Mrs Porter who is our new Head of PSHE/PE teacher.
This year will be another exciting one for the Performing Arts. The boundaries have been pushed further as, in addition to the Autumn Term musical we will, for the third year in a row, have an additional production in the Spring Term. Not content with this, our Performing Arts colleagues are putting on an extra school production exclusively for our Year 7s. The Music department is also launching a series of lunchtime concerts and our choir will be performing during assemblies, following the introduction of an extra assembly each week in Lisvane Hall.
On the sports fields, our teams have already started the season in an impressive fashion. The First XI Girls hockey team enjoyed an excellent pre-season tour to Wales, where they won their tournament, and the U15s cricketers finished third in the country as they travelled to Arundel Castle for their finals day. The U14s have just become Yorkshire Champions today, having played the final against QEGS Wakefield. The netball teams have started strongly and we have welcomed a third representative team in the Scarborough League.
Finally, I am proud to share that Scarborough College has once again been nominated as a Finalist in the Independent School of the Year Awards, this time in the Northern School category against very tough opposition. This marks the fifth consecutive year we have been honoured in this way, a testament to the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, and, above all, the outstanding efforts of our students. We are the only Yorkshire school to be represented in this category.
As we look ahead, I am filled with confidence about the year to come. I know that together, as a community, we will continue to achieve great things.
Mr Guy Emmett
Scarborough College is celebrating a record-breaking year of GCSE success, with its largest-ever Year 11 cohort of 86 pupils achieving excellent outcomes.
This year, 92% of GCSE entries were awarded a pass grade. When combined with IGCSE results, including those from the College’s one-year international students, the overall pass rate stands at 90%. The proportion of students achieving five or more passes, including English and Mathematics, represents the highest percentage in the past 15 years.
Headmaster Guy Emmett said: “It has been a joyous summer with excellent results for both our GCSE and IB cohorts. I would like to extend my congratulations to each student, their families and our teaching departments on this success.”
Academic Highlights
- In the Sciences, results were particularly strong, with 96% of Biology entries, 91% of Chemistry entries and 88% of Physics entries awarded Grade 6 or above.
- In terms of value-added, subjects including Art, Biology, French and Combined Science all achieved results one full grade higher than expected, underlining the impact of dedicated teaching and small class sizes.
Standout Students
Amongst many impressive individual achievements were:
- Max, a Scarborough Scholar award holder, who achieved seven Grade 8s and 9s.
- Jack, who achieved eight Grade 8s and 9s alongside representing the College and his country in sport as a national cricket champion, England hockey trialist and member of the 1st XV rugby team.
- Ben, who achieved eight Grade 8s and 9s, while competing at a national level in athletics.
- Flora, who scored grades 7-9 across the board.
Scarborough College extends its congratulations to every Year 11 student on their academic and co-curricular successes, and looks forward to welcoming many of them back into the Sixth Form to continue their studies.
Choosing the right sixth form pathway is one of the most important educational decisions parents and students face. In the UK, A-Levels remain the traditional route, but more families are now exploring the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as a broader, more global alternative.
So how do the two compare? And which is best for your child?
At Scarborough College, we offer the IBDP as our sixth form curriculum because we believe in preparing students not just for exams but for life. Here is what parents need to know when weighing up the options of IBDP vs A-Levels in the UK.
Breadth vs Depth: What Will Your Child Study?
A-Levels allow students to specialise early by choosing three or four subjects. This works well for students who already know what they want to study at university.
In contrast, the IB requires students to study six subjects across different disciplines, including:
- One language
- One humanities subject
- One science
- Mathematics
- One creative subject
- An additional subject of choice
This ensures a broad, balanced education, ideal for students who are still exploring their interests or who thrive across multiple areas.
A Global, Future-Focused Curriculum
The IB Diploma is designed to produce well-rounded, internationally-minded students. In addition to subject choices, all students complete:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A critical thinking course
Extended Essay (EE): An independent research project
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): A programme that encourages community engagement and personal growth
These elements develop skills that are highly valued by top universities and employers, such as inquiry, independence, and global awareness. The EE in particular is great practice for the type of independent research and writing that is required for studying at degree level.
University Recognition and Admissions
Both A-Levels and the IB Diploma are widely accepted by UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. However, the IB is recognised globally by over 5,000 institutions, which is why so many of our students choose to study abroad (including Ivy League Colleges in the USA and top European destinations such as University of Amsterdam).
The structure and intensity of the IBDP also demonstrates a student’s ability to manage a heavy academic workload effectively. In fact, many university admissions tutors report that IB students are often better prepared for the demands of undergraduate study as they have experience of how to learn independently.
Assessment and Exam Structure
A-Levels are assessed mainly through final exams at the end of two years. The IB also includes final exams, but assessment is more varied and ongoing, including internal assessments, coursework, presentations and reflective work. This mix helps reduce the pressure of one-off exams and rewards consistent effort across two years.
It is also helpful that the IBDP exam results are released in early July. This allows for students to confirm their university destination earlier than most, giving them a peaceful and relaxing summer break!
Skills for the Real World
IB students graduate with more than just subject knowledge. The programme is structured so to allow them to leave with strong time management skills, experience in independent research, and a commitment to service and leadership.
The global nature of the study gives IBDP students a cultural fluency and global thinking which is not common among other students.
In contrast, A-Levels are more focused on subject-specific academic depth, but may offer fewer opportunities for personal development outside the classroom.
So, Which is Right for Your Child?
Choose A-Levels if your child:
Prefers to specialise early
Is focused on specific career or university pathways
Works best in a more traditional academic structure
Choose the IB Diploma if your child:
Has wide-ranging academic strengths
Thrives on challenge and variety
Wants a more holistic, international education
Is interested in looking beyond UK universities
Why Scarborough College Offers the IB Diploma
We are proud to be one of the few schools in the UK that offer the full IB Diploma Programme. Our experienced staff, small class sizes, and dedicated support help students excel in both academic and personal growth.
We believe the IBDP is the best curriculum for sixth form students, especially in today’s rapidly changing world and our graduates go on to success at top universities across the UK, Europe, and North America.
Explore the IBDP at Scarborough College
Thinking about sixth form options for your child? We’re here to help. Whether your child is already thriving or ready for a fresh challenge, our IB programme could be the perfect fit.
Join us for our IB Open Event on Thursday 13 November 2025. Or alternatively please email our Admissions Team to arrange a visit.
When people think of academic success, they often picture textbooks, exams, and the core subjects – particularly maths, science, and English. While these disciplines are undoubtedly important, a truly meaningful education goes far beyond grades and classroom walls. At Scarborough College, we believe that other subjects, such as Languages, Drama, and Sport, matter just as much as Maths – not as a nice-to-have, but as essential pillars of a good all-round education.
This is how we prepare our students not just for exams, but for life.
A Balanced Curriculum for Well-Rounded Learners
Scarborough College is committed to a balanced curriculum, one that challenges students academically while nurturing creativity, communication, resilience, and teamwork. This means placing just as much emphasis on the stage as the science lab, and on the cricket pitch as the French classroom.
Subjects like Drama and Modern Foreign Languages help develop emotional intelligence, cultural understanding, and self-expression. Sport builds physical confidence, discipline, and perseverance. Together, these experiences help shape students into well-rounded individuals who are ready for the next stage of their academic journey.
Building Grit and Resilience Beyond the Classroom
Resilience is not something that can be taught from a whiteboard. It is something that is lived, experienced, and earned. That’s why extracurricular activities are woven into the fabric of school life at Scarborough College. Our signature Yorkshire Grit programme takes students outside their comfort zones and into the great outdoors, with a range of adventurous challenges that build character, leadership, and mental strength.
Whether it’s hiking on the moors as part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, hardy surfing in the North Sea, or leading a group through a sink or swim raft-building exercise at Wykeham Lakes, our students develop real-world skills that go far beyond the traditional curriculum.
The Value of Extracurriculars in a Private School Setting
One of the key advantages of an independent education is the breadth of opportunity it offers. At Scarborough College, students are encouraged to try new things, develop passions, and discover talents they may never have known they had. From delivering a TedX talk or starring in a theatre production, to representing the school in sport or participating in language immersion trips abroad, students are actively supported to explore and grow.
This commitment to extracurriculars in a private school setting isn’t about adding more to an already busy schedule – it’s about giving students space to become the best version of themselves.
The Results Speak for Themselves
We see the impact of this well-rounded approach every day. Students who engage in the full breadth of school life are more confident, more motivated, and better equipped to face challenges, academic or otherwise. They learn to collaborate, to lead, to speak up, and to persevere.
This all-round mindset is especially important as students move through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, where independence, global awareness, and balance are key. It’s no surprise that so many of our leavers go on to succeed at top universities, both in the UK and internationally. Not just because of their academic record, but because of who they are as people.
More Than Just Grades
At Scarborough College, we don’t believe in choosing between academic excellence and personal development. We believe in both. Our holistic education, a balanced curriculum, and a programme of enriching extracurriculars, create students who are not only high-achieving but also resilient, curious, and equipped to make a difference in the world.
