Aysgarth School to join Rugby School Group in July 2025

Nick Bacon, Chair of the Governing Body of Rugby School, and Gareth Parker- Jones, Head Master of Rugby School, have written today to Rugby School parents (see letter below). The two schools have always enjoyed a strong relationship and many Aysgarth pupils already join Rugby for their secondary education. Both schools are delighted by the collaboration. 

Letter to parents:

Dear Parent

We are delighted to announce that Aysgarth School will be joining the Rugby School Group from 1 July 2025.

Aysgarth School, a co-educational day and boarding school in North Yorkshire, established in 1877, will be the second prep school to become a member of the Group, joining Bilton Grange with which we merged in 2020.

Aysgarth and Rugby have always enjoyed a strong relationship, with many Aysgarth pupils joining Rugby for their secondary education.  Like Rugby, Aysgarth is known for its excellent all-round education, its provision of high-quality pastoral care and commitment to full boarding, and we share the same values and ethos.

We hope that, through closer association, the number of Aysgarth families who choose Rugby for their children’s secondary education will increase. However, our rigorous recruitment process  will be the same for Aysgarth pupils as it is for the pupils we welcome from a diverse range of feeder schools, and Aysgarth will continue to prepare pupils and support parents who choose an alternative academic pathway.

As part of the Rugby School Group, Aysgarth will benefit from shared strategic leadership; access to our resources and facilities; the support of Rugby School’s professional departments; combined staff development opportunities; and both schools will be promoting best practice in terms of teaching and learning.

The collaboration strengthens our ability to provide the highest quality education across the Group while maintaining Aysgarth’s unique identity and traditions.

We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings for our students, parents, and staff, and we look forward to Aysgarth School becoming an integral part of the Rugby School Group’s future.

Yours sincerely

Nick Bacon
Chairman, Governing Body of Rugby School

Gareth Parker-Jones
Head Master, Rugby School