King James's School, Knaresborough

King James's School is located on King James Road, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, England. King James's is a large non-selective school with a large sixth form.

Admissions

King James's School is the only secondary school in Knaresborough and serves the town and the surrounding villages. The current Headteacher is Clare Martin. The school is situated in the centre of the town on the main A59, next to the leisure pool. Application to the school must be made via North Yorkshire Council.

History

Grammar school

The school was founded in 1616, as King James Grammar School with a charter from King James I. The school magazine The Chaloner is named after Dr Robert Chaloner who founded the school. It discusses school events and achievements for both school and its students and is published annually. It is created by the students and edited by the school's sixth form.

Comprehensive

The school became a comprehensive in September 1971. The school was refurbished with major building work at the school being completed, including an art block with modern facilities. Annual non-compulsory school trips became available for the students. Dr Arnold Kellett has written a book about the history of the school. The school was later refurbished further with the building of a modern bespoke sixth form block and cafe. Followed by an FA registered 3G football pitch being introduced for both school and community use.

Federation

The school became part of a federation in 2021. Retaining its LA maintained school status, King James's School formed a local partnership to form the Boroughbridge High School and King James's School Federation.

Notable Events

On Monday 20 March 2023 3 girls were arrested after trying to get into the school. 1 was arrested for Criminal Damage and the 2 others were arrested to prevent Breach of Peace. 1 staff member was slightly injured.

Traditions

Quid Retribuam Domino (What can I render to the Lord?) is the school motto.

Houses

King James's School has four school houses which have a colour each, Airedale – Blue Nidderdale – Red Swaledale – Yellow Wharfedale - Green

Sex and Relationships Education Policy

In August 2013 the LGBT online Pink News stated that King James's School's Sex and Relationships Education Policy included the words: "Ensure that homosexuality is not promoted as a pretended family relationship whilst not encouraging homophobia." Pink News links King James' to its reported comments by the Department for Education on the Department's own 'sex and relationship education guidance', and the British Humanist Association "concerns regarding 45 schools across the country." Pink News believes such policies, overt or vague, are a reflection of the repealed Section 28 of the 1988 Local Government Act. The school's current (last reviewed March 2023) Relationships & Sex Education Policy does not take this stance, instead stating "that there are different types of committed, stable relationships" and "how stereotypes, in particular stereotypes based on sex, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability, can cause damage (e.g. how they might normalise non-consensual behaviour or encourage prejudice)."

Notable alumni

King James's Grammar school