Ghyll Royd School’s new initiative to cap reception fees

Ghyll Royd School launches initiative capping reception fees at £250 per month to counter vat and cost-of-living pressures

Ghyll Royd School and Pre-School in Burley-in-Wharfedale has announced a major strategic initiative aimed at supporting local families entering early years education.

To mark the launch of the school’s newly established 1889 Foundation, all Reception places for the upcoming September 2026 intake will benefit from the 1889 Foundation Reception Entry Scheme.

This unique scheme is the first of its kind to ever have been offered in the Wharfedale valley and the school says it represents a bold, proactive strategy designed to help families and giving children the best possible start to their education.

This two-year initiative significantly reduces financial friction for families by capping first-year Reception fee contributions at just £250 per month, including VAT. Furthermore, as part of the school's multi-year commitment to early years learning, enrolled families will also benefit from an 18.89% fee discount as their children transition into Form 1 the following year. The fixed monthly fee applies in addition to any applicable universal 15 or 30 hour Government childcare funding, and eligible families can also utilise the £2,000 a year Tax-Free Childcare scheme to help fund these places.

Hadley Nicholson, Headteacher at Ghyll Royd School, said: "Starting school is a wonderful milestone, and our Reception class offers a unique blend of nurture, discovery and ambition. We are proud that our Reception Entry Scheme reflects our newly established 1889 Foundation's commitment to widening access at the earliest stage of education, focusing heavily on building long-term relationships with families in our wider community. By removing financial barriers at this critical entry stage, we are providing children the best possible start to their education across a full, socially rich and vibrant curriculum including Spanish, Art, Gymnastics and weekly swimming lessons – enhancing the collaborative educational experience for all pupils across the whole school."

Applications for the September 2026 Reception intake are currently open, but families must submit their details ahead of the upcoming deadline on Monday 8 June 2026. All applicants will be contacted by midday on Friday 12 June with the outcome of their application.