Moorfield School and Nursery in Ilkley has joined Bradford Grammar School (BGS) in a move that secures the school's long-term future and strengthens independent education across the region.
The agreement brings Moorfield into the BGS Foundation while retaining its distinctive ethos, leadership and identity. The partnership builds on an established relationship between the two schools and a shared commitment to academic excellence, strong pastoral care and opportunity beyond the classroom.
For Moorfield, which has educated children in Ilkley for almost 100 years, the agreement provides stability and strategic backing at a time when many independent schools are strengthening collaboration across the sector to navigate a period of significant change. Moorfield is known for its creative curriculum, excellent STEM teaching, rich musical tradition and strong sporting culture, alongside extensive outdoor learning and bushcraft provision. Pupils are supported to achieve their potential, with small class sizes enabling close relationships between staff and children.
"We take children of all abilities and ensure each one thrives," Mrs Crossley said. "That warmth and care, and the way we know our pupils so well, is central to who we are. This partnership protects that and will give confidence to parents and staff alike. We will continue to be Moorfield School — but with the support of a larger foundation behind us."
Simon Hinchliffe, Headmaster of BGS, has served on Moorfield's Board of Governors for nearly a decade. He said the decision to formalise the partnership reflected long-standing respect for the school's strengths and a shared vision for independent education in Yorkshire. "Moorfield is a school of high standards, creativity and genuine nurture," he said. "We have admired its work for many years. This step allows us to safeguard its future, invest with confidence and create opportunities for collaboration that will benefit pupils at both schools."
In practical terms, both schools will continue to function with a high degree of independence while benefiting from shared expertise, strategic oversight and operational support. Leaders say the joint venture will enhance long-term sustainability and reinforce parental choice in the area.
Frequently asked questions
Bradford Grammar School, established in 1548 and deeply rooted in Yorkshire, and Moorfield School and Nursery, which has served families in Ilkley for almost 100 years, share a long-standing commitment to academic excellence, strong pastoral care and a rich educational experience.
The following questions and answers provide further information for families about what this partnership means in practice.
Why are Moorfield School and Nursery and Bradford Grammar School joining together?
Across the UK, the formation of groups or foundations of schools is becoming increasingly common as a way to consolidate, protect and strengthen independent education and ensure parents retain meaningful choice when selecting the right school for their children. Bradford Grammar School (BGS) and Moorfield share a common commitment to excellence — academically, through strong teaching and high expectations, and through outstanding pastoral care and co-curricular opportunities. Welcoming Moorfield into the BGS Foundation strengthens the position and offering of both schools. Partnership provides an opportunity to share best practice, benefit from operational synergies, grow professional networks and ultimately improve the education and outcomes of all children within the Foundation. Both schools recognise that the very best education enables children to grow and thrive in a safe, supportive and aspirational environment. This partnership reflects a shared vision to protect and enhance that opportunity for families across the region.
Will Moorfield change?
No. Moorfield will remain Moorfield and its ethos, traditions and character will remain central to the school. The partnership brings Moorfield into the BGS Foundation while allowing it to retain its distinctive identity and leadership. Mrs Jessica Crossley continues as Head, and the school will continue to operate from its Ilkley site. Moorfield will benefit from the opportunities, networks and resources that come from being part of a larger foundation with shared values and a strong educational reputation. In practical terms, families should expect the day-to-day experience of Moorfield to remain very familiar, while the school gains the long-term security and support that comes from being part of a wider educational organisation.
What does this mean for Moorfield pupils?
For pupils, the experience of school life will remain largely unchanged. Moorfield is known for its creative curriculum, excellent STEM teaching, strong musical tradition and rich sporting culture, alongside extensive outdoor learning and bushcraft provision. Small class sizes and close relationships between staff and children remain central to the school's approach. Being part of the BGS Foundation allows the school to look to its future with confidence, with greater scope for campus investment and the development of educational programmes created in tandem with colleagues at BGS. This includes collaboration in areas such as staff recruitment and induction, annual appraisal and professional development, all of which strengthen teaching and ultimately benefit pupils. The aim is that Moorfield pupils continue to enjoy the warm, nurturing and individual approach for which the school is known, while also benefiting from the wider expertise and opportunities of the Foundation.
What are the implications for BGS families?
For families at BGS, daily routines and the overall experience of school life will remain unchanged. Over time there may be opportunities for collaboration between the schools in areas such as academic initiatives, co-curricular activities and the sharing of professional expertise. However, both schools will continue to operate with their own distinctive ethos, leadership and educational approach.
Are the schools a good fit?
BGS and Moorfield share a strong commitment to academic excellence and high achievement. Fostering curiosity, intellectual tenacity and a love of learning is a shared mission, ensuring every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. Both schools recognise that a life-changing education requires an aspirational and nurturing ethos where pastoral care, positive relationships and strong values are central. Both schools also believe that a rich diet of co-curricular opportunities — in sport, music, the arts and wider interests — helps shape character and develop confident, well-rounded young people. BGS pupils thrive in an academically selective environment, while Moorfield champions academic excellence within a non-selective setting. Each school will continue to be distinctive in these respects, while sharing ideas and best practice where appropriate.
What will the organisational structure look like?
The two schools come together to form the Bradford Grammar School Foundation. The Board of Governors of BGS are grateful to their counterparts at Moorfield for their long-standing and dedicated service to education in Ilkley, and for their vision in securing the long-term future of the school through this partnership.
The Chair of Moorfield's Board will join the BGS Board of Governors, helping to guide and shape this new chapter for both schools. Dr Simon Hinchliffe will serve as Head of the Bradford Grammar School Foundation. Mrs Jessica Crossley will remain Head of Moorfield and will join the wider senior leadership structure of the Foundation, alongside colleagues such as Mr Richard Ribeiro, Head of Clock House, the Junior School on the BGS campus. There are no immediate changes to the senior leadership teams at either school.
Will there be any changes to staff?
For staff, the experience of school life at Moorfield and BGS will remain largely unchanged. Both schools benefit from highly dedicated and experienced staff who are central to the strength of their communities. There are no immediate changes planned to staffing at either school. The current climate for independent education heralds change, which can sometimes be unsettling. Leadership at both BGS and Moorfield understands this and will proceed with sensitivity to valued colleagues.
Over time, opportunities to share expertise and strengthen operational support across the Foundation may be explored.
Will admissions arrangements change?
Both schools will continue to operate their existing admissions processes and criteria. Moorfield will remain a non-selective school and will continue to support pupils moving on to a range of senior schools, both independent and state, as it does now. Being part of the BGS Foundation may, over time, create a smoother potential transition between the schools for families who wish to pursue that pathway, but there will be no requirement or expectation for Moorfield pupils to move to BGS.
Will fees or other practical arrangements change?
There will be no changes to Moorfield fees, terms and conditions, or billing arrangements for the upcoming academic year as a result of this partnership. Uniform and uniform suppliers will also remain unchanged. As with all independent schools, fees are reviewed periodically in order to sustain high standards of teaching, facilities and support for pupils.
Will there be opportunities to learn more or ask questions?
Yes. Both schools recognise that families may have questions and want to understand more about the partnership. Opportunities will be arranged for parents at Moorfield to meet leaders from both schools and ask questions in person.
Questions can also be posed to the Heads at the respective schools in the usual ways via existing channels:
Mrs Jessica Crossley, Head, Moorfield School
Dr Simon Hinchliffe, Headmaster, Bradford Grammar School
Admissions enquiries
“Bradford Grammar School (BGS) is a leading independent school in the north, and partnership with Moorfield marks a significant milestone for education in our region. Moorfield is delighted to have been selected as the first independent school to be brought under the umbrella of the BGS Foundation. This support ensures Moorfield will continue to offer a uniquely nurturing environment for all the wonderful children who join us and protects parental choice in education. The character and style of our exceptional school will remain unchanged as we build on and fortify our relationship with BGS. Both schools share a deep commitment to developing each child’s potential. As a resident of Ilkley I have heard people remark with warmth and admiration: ‘you can tell where that young person went to school’ – and Moorfield and BGS are deeply proud of the young people who walk through our doors. If you are not already part of the family, come and join us!”
“These are challenging and uncertain times for the independent sector. Increasingly, schools that share a common ethos and educational philosophy are choosing to join together in partnerships and foundations to protect and strengthen the provision they offer. In so doing, parents can be assured that the highest standards will be sustained for the long term, and that generations of children to come will enjoy the best possible opportunities to learn and grow in a nurturing, well resourced environment. We are therefore pleased to confirm that Moorfield School and Nursery has reached an agreement to join the Bradford Grammar School (BGS) Foundation — a development that will bring lasting benefits to both our communities. The BGS Board of Governors warmly welcomes Moorfield into the family, a step that reinforces parental choice and safeguards the future of independent education in Ilkley and the surrounding areas.”
“To have been chosen by Bradford Grammar School is a real accolade for us. They understand what makes Moorfield special. We offer an over and above education while holding on to the magic of childhood. Our children are warm, confident and eager to learn, and we achieve strong academic, sporting and creative outcomes through a genuinely individual approach. Moorfield is known for its creative curriculum, excellent STEM teaching, rich musical tradition and strong sporting culture, alongside extensive outdoor learning and bushcraft provision. Pupils are supported to achieve their potential, with small class sizes enabling close relationships between staff and children. We take children of all abilities and ensure each one thrives. That warmth and care, and the way we know our pupils so well, is central to who we are. This partnership protects that and will give confidence to parents and staff alike. We will continue to be Moorfield – but with the support of a larger foundation behind us.”
“Bradford Grammar School and Moorfield School and Nursery have long enjoyed a close, mutually supportive relationship. Over the years, our collaboration has grown naturally, rooted in shared values and a genuine commitment to giving children the very best start in life. This existing connection will now deepen, opening the door to new opportunities for pupils to experience an enriching, world class education and exceptional pastoral care. As we move forward together, Moorfield will continue to flourish under the auspices of the Bradford Grammar School Foundation. This is an exciting venture, one that reflects the confidence and ambition of the Governors and leadership teams at both schools, as well as our shared vision for education in our region and for children who deserve the strongest possible foundation for their futures.”