This is a rewarding Executive Headship; you will be able to lead our schools on the next stages of their journeys as well as having a clear vision for the future development of the Federation.

You must exhibit confidence, empathy and a clear focus on building a healthy workplace culture to benefit the wellbeing of the staff and our children.

It is an opportunity for the new Executive Headteacher who, as a dynamic, innovative, motivated and experienced professional, will lead the schools to meet fully the needs of the community they serve, in an ever-changing educational landscape.

Our schools are focused on the development of the whole child, the whole time, enabling each pupil to feel cherished and challenged to fulfil their potential in relation to academic and personal development within supportive, Christian, family orientated environments where everyone cares for the well-being of each individual in their community.

We are looking to appoint an exceptional leader who, guided by our Christian values, can create a safe, caring environment where pupils can thrive. The future of our schools requires a strong leader with a clear vision, who has the ability to communicate that vision to others and to make an instant impact.

• A thorough understanding of how to drive up standards in core areas for pupils recovering from lost learning time because of the Covid pandemic
• A knowledge of how to support the social, emotional and health needs of pupils as well as staff. Sign up to and work towards achieving the DfE Education staff Health and Wellbeing initiative
• An ability to appraise proven research initiatives that will support staff development and support teaching and learning and new innovative approaches
• Excellent Leadership and Management experience, not only as a leading teacher and curriculum lead and successful manager of Ofsted Inspections but also in HR and financial matters eg.
• Experience of leading/supporting a school through a successful Ofsted inspection
• Experience of forming effective relationships and communicating effectively with parents, carers, individuals and organisations

Experience in being responsible for pupils’ welfare and wellbeing, achieving a common goal of ensuring all pupils have the opportunity to reach their full potential

• The ability to develop further and foster the excellent home/school relationships already in place and explore new ways of engaging and supporting the schools’ more vulnerable parents

The Governors are looking to recruit an exceptional leader to this exciting and challenging role, leading school improvement strategies. Any candidate must have a proven track record of primary school leadership and school improvement;

The role would suit someone ready for a fresh challenge, keen to take their career to the next level and committed to developing their team through CPD. The successful applicant will be passionate about learning and achieving the best outcomes for all our children, regardless of their ability and background.

They will be technologically competent financially astute, resilient and compassionate, and determined to maintain an environment where there is strong leadership throughout the schools and all staff feel valued, empowered, and able to maintain a constructive work-life balance.

Our new leader will:

• Be a committed leader with excellent interpersonal skills who can motivate and manage all stakeholders, effectively shaping and delivering the strategic plan
• Demonstrate superb leadership skills with the ability to challenge robustly and constructively
• Be someone who recognises the importance of maintaining our schools’ existing values while instilling their own leadership and identity
• Be an outstanding teaching practitioner, able to set and achieve ambitious goals continually seeking to raise standards and promote our vision, values and aims in a way that is relevant and inspiring to all
• Be able to provide excellent and robust staff management
• Have progressive IT skills and a deep understanding of the significance and importance of consistent data monitoring
• Consider and shape how we can adapt our practices innovatively to promote and enhance the wellbeing of our staff team
• Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of young people in terms of their social, physical and emotional development alongside educational needs, and ensure that our three schools provide a rounded provision to nurture them
• Show practical knowledge and experience in raising standards
• Be a strategic thinker able to plan long, medium and short term
• Be able to review our financial resources and look at how we invest in our schools
• Have a continuing drive to reflect, learn and strive for positive development, for themselves, their staff team, the children and our schools as a whole
• Be someone who is capable of and confident in making difficult decisions and ask challenging questions in order to seek the best possible outcome for our schools as a whole

A package is in place around the federation to ensure any new head teacher is fully supported. There is a named local authority adviser and a named diocesan adviser who will provide bespoke advice and support; there are training courses and networks available from the local authority and diocese. The close links with the Harrogate and Rural Teaching Alliance means that any new head teacher will also have tailored small school support.

• Passion for teaching and learning
• Passion for creative and robust curriculum development
• Outstanding educational leadership
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven management and organisational skills
• Innovative leader and strategic thinker
• Interest in Partnership and Collaborative working
• Sense of humour
• Commitment to distinctive ethos of a Church school

Beckwithshaw and Kettlesing Felliscliffe Primary Schools federated in April 2017. After a successful couple of years, we decided to expand our federation and so in April 2019, we federated with Ripley Endowed CE School.

Across our federation we wish to provide a vibrant and exciting education which will prepare our children for their lives ahead of them. We believe in enriching the children’s learning through a variety of additional experiences such as taking part in charitable events or attending music festivals with other schools; competing in sporting competitions or meeting visiting authors.

All three of the federation schools are sited in peripheral rural areas. The majority of the parents travel from outside the catchment areas to the schools. The schools all promote community inclusion and foster links with external groups where possible.

Each school has access to large outdoor areas for external teaching and sports facilities. Forest School is also offered across all sites. Each school has an active parent group which supports the schools to fundraise and provide extra curricular social activities.

Beckwithshaw and Ripley Endowed Schools are in areas subject to large scale housing developments from which there is an opportunity to increase pupil numbers.

Click here for detailed mapping of the catchment areas

• Kettlesing is made up of three mixed age classes reception, Year 1 and 2, Year 3 and Year 4 and Year 5 and Year 6 with a separate Nursery.
• Beckwithshaw is made up of four classes; Reception, a Year 1 and Year 2 class, a Year 3 and Year 4 and a Year 5 and Year 6 class.
• Ripley has 3 classes and a governor led pre -school. A reception, Year 1 and Year 2 class a Year 3 and 4 class and a Year 5 and 6 class.

All of the three federation schools are located within ‘traditional’ school houses dating back some considerable years. All schools have increased their building sizes through extensions providing improved and modern accommodation for some of the areas. Each school is supported by an adminstrator who provides the first point of contact through the main doors of each school. This provides a warm and welcoming environment for all staff, parents and visitors to the site.

Each morning and evening a member of teaching staff is visible at the front of school to oversee the safe handover of children and provide a point of contact for any queries that arise on the day.

All of the schools promote a competitive rewards-based culture where weekly celebrations are undertaken to issue certificates, house points and recognise achievements. Parents are welcomed into the school to be part of the weekly event. There is an annual sports day held at each school in the summer term.

There is a relentlessly positive ethos in our schools, founded upon strong relationships and caring attitudes to each other – children and adults alike. This leads to positive behaviour and a strong commitment from pupils who know what is expected of them. There is a sense of enjoyment and a fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.

All three of our schools are very welcoming and friendly. Children contribute to their school in many ways through clubs, performances, sporting activities, School Council, assemblies, charity events etc. Pupils are extremely proud of our schools and their achievements. They have good attitudes to learning and recognise that they must be challenged and make mistakes to learn. Positive behaviours are encouraged and expected beyond the classroom, in after-school clubs, trips, residential trips and music and sports events.

Our schools take huge pride in ensuring that our children’s personal development and over-all wellbeing is at the core of what happens. Our curriculum extends well beyond just learning in the classroom, and the wide range of experience we provide for our pupils helps them to become confident and resilient individuals.

We believe that when children are happy and engaged, learning will thrive. We judge the strength of our pupils’ personal development not just by what happens in our schools, but by feedback from the pupils’ secondary schools. The personal development building blocks of character and ambition, that we help to put in place, may not be realised until many years down the line.

Features and Benefits of our Schools:

All three of the federation schools have wrap around care (breakfast and after school) and aim to make the most of their surroundings  :Forest School sessions are offered at all schools.

Ripley Endowed is a small school where everyone’s talents are celebrated.

Staff believe that learning should excite and develop creative minds. Within our peaceful and unique grounds, we provide a safe environment for our children to flourish. We are a school where all ‘Aim for the Stars’. (Share, Trust, Aspire, Respect).

We pride ourselves on living by our Christian values of friendship, trust, hope and reverence; we believe in encouraging one another so that confidences and self-esteem are developed positively.

Beckwithshaw is a small village school with a big heart. The children believe in honesty, determination, respect, passion, self-belief and teamwork.

At Kettlesing Felliscliffe you become part of our family the minute you walk through our doors. There is a unique buddy system which promotes this family atmosphere.

Strength of our schools:

Our pupils are the heart of our schools; they are well mannered and confident, keen to learn and engaged in class.  Children’s attitudes to school and learning are good, they enjoy coming to school and show an interest in the learning activities provided for them.

The schools foster a welcoming, caring, stimulating and secure environment in which the children are encouraged to develop as learners. The schools staff, governors, pupils and their families are committed to providing a nurturing and inspiring environment where everyone is safe, respected, supported and challenged.  Nurturing the children within this environment enables them to develop to their potential and broaden their horizons. The Executive Headteacher will be expected to lead by example. The ethos is reflected in the relationships between staff, children, parents and governors of the schools.

The Federation has a strong commitment to inclusion. Pupils with additional needs (including social, emotional and mental) are well supported by staff and the school SENCo.

Ripley Endowed Primary

Ofsted recognised - “Pupils happily attend regularly … They play well together at play times and say that there is no bullying in the school…Pupils in the school are polite and well-mannered. They are kind to each other” - Ofsted November 2021

Kettlesing Felliscliffe

Ofsted recognised – “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary and an atmosphere of respect and politeness permeates the school” – Ofsted July 2019

Beckwithshaw

Ofsted recognised – “Pupils enjoy coming to school. At break they happily play together, using equipment sensibly and safely. Pupils behave well in lessons” – Ofsted December 2021

Child wellbeing:

The emotional wellbeing of the children at our schools has always been a high priority and children are encouraged to talk in class and to their peers about their mental health, for example through class circle time.  Mental health has continued to be of key importance during the Covid pandemic and activities, such as mindfulness, have been shared with the children.  Internet safety is also a key factor and regular information is shared with children and parents on how to stay safe on the internet.

Our staff are our greatest resource and are incredibly committed, loyal, positive and hardworking. They always have the best interests of the pupils at heart and are determined to find something at which every child can shine.

Meet our Teams by clicking on the links below:

Beckwithshaw Primary

Felliscliffe Primary

Ripley Endowed Primary

The Governing Board’s Role and Support

The local authority has a service level agreement for governors providing training, bespoke advice and support and regular newsletters. Local authority advisers and members from other areas such as finance and human resources attend governing body meetings where appropriate.

The schools are currently supported by an Interim Executive Board (IEB) which consists of a limited membership of experienced professionals with a very clear remit to guide and support the federation through to a permanent governance structure. The IEB will provide whatever support is necessary to ensure the appointed person is appropriately supported in their new role.

Our Schools Vision, Ethos and values are at the heart of everything we do. They underpin our teaching and learning, and provide an environment which prepares our pupils to be confident, caring and happy citizens.

Everyone at our Schools believes in making a difference together and through caring, learning and nurturing we make our schools a happy, safe place to learn.

Ripley Endowed, Beckwithshaw and Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary

Our Aims and Vision

We recognise that every child is a unique person, and our aim is to help all our children develop further reaching their fullest potential. Through encouraging their personalities, and valuing their interests, we seek to grow grounded individuals with a love of learning, confidence in themselves, and deep understanding of the importance of community. Whilst they are in our care we will do our utmost to ensure that every child grows in wisdom and stature, in the eyes of all. We want our children to leave their school well-equipped – academically, emotionally, and socially – to make their distinct mark on the world, and able to bring their particular talents to bear in making it a better place.

We will do this by: 

• Knowing each child individually and valuing and encouraging them as a unique child.
• Ensuring a working and learning environment that is respectful, caring, and supportive, in which all members of our schools communities are free to express who they are and achieve all they can.
• Delivering a rich, and inter-connected curriculum of learning across all subjects, in a well-maintained and stimulating environment.
• Monitoring each child’s progress, to support the production of individually tailored learning plans and objectives, and lesson construction.
• Prioritising emotional and physical health and wellbeing alongside academic success.
• Not being afraid of challenges and encouraging all members of our schools communities to recognise the importance of resilience, and growth in the face of adversity.
• Providing opportunities for our students to engage with the wider world, through extra-curricular activity, and charity work.

In addition:

Ripley Endowed Primary

Our Vision

We strive to be a 'peace-full' school that our whole community can be proud of, where we work together (share) through mutual reliance and support (trust) so that all can fulfil their potential (aspire) in a world where everyone's God-given talents, skills and experiences are recognised and valued (respect).

‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing’

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Our Aims

• Living out our Ripley STAR ideals, to Share, Trust, Aspire, and Respect

Our Christian Values:

Share: Generosity, Friendship, Service

Trust: Truthfulness, Trust, Friendship, Justice, Forgiveness

Aspire: Courage, Perseverance, Thankfulness

Respect: Compassion, Friendship, Justice, Thankfulness, Respect, Forgiveness

Please click here to read more on our collective worships

Ofsted Inspection:

Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary - Rated Good July 2019

Ofsted recognised - “The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection. You and your team have created a safe and caring environment where pupils love to learn. As headteacher, you provide determined, dedicated and astute leadership and this is reflected in the views of staff, children and nearly all parents. Everyone is proud of their village school. You have created a lively, stimulating environment where learning is fun. Parents who I spoke with informally at the start of the day were effusive in their praise for the school. One parent described the school as a ‘fantastic, friendly school with a great sense of community where everybody’s needs are catered for’. Another said: ‘My child’s selfesteem and confidence have increased massively. Staff are always approachable. There is nothing to fault!’ These views were reinforced by a number of free-text responses on Ofsted’s online questionnaire, Parent View. Many others commented on the safe, nurturing environment, high expectations and the dedication of you and your staff” – Ofsted 2019

Beckwithshaw Community Primary – Rated Inadequate December 2021

Ofsted recognised – “Pupils understand the importance of tolerance and respect. They know that teachers expect them always to do their best. Pupils try to live by the ‘six spirits of the Olympics’, which include qualities such as determination, self-respect, honesty and teamwork. Pupils have the chance to develop leadership skills through being a digital leader, sports leader, or part of the school council” -  Ofsted 2021

Ripley Endowed Primary – Rated Inadequate November 2021

Ofsted recognised - “The leaders in the school are proud of the work done around the personal development of pupils. They swiftly started clubs and enrichment activities on return to school in September. They encourage all pupils to attend clubs such as yoga or sports. There are plans in place to enable any pupils who cannot attend after school clubs to go to lunchtime clubs. Leaders give opportunities to pupils to take on roles of responsibility, such as in the worship committee or in the sports crew. These pupils plan the weekly worship sessions in the school and look after the school environment. They are proud to do this work. Pupils are taught about different faiths, beliefs and relationships. However, leaders recognise that this learning needs to be planned more carefully to ensure it is fully understood” - Ofsted 2021

SIAMS Inspection:

Ripley Endowed Primary – Good October 2016

SIAMS recognised “Parents appreciate the impact that the teaching of Christian values of forgiveness and humility have upon the relationships they observe and experience between all members of the school community. As a result, pupils develop a love for learning and take great pride in the presentation of their work in this supportive and welcoming environment. Pupils are highly motivated to help the disadvantaged in the wider and global community and often suggest and lead initiatives themselves. The well-organised and creative RE curriculum makes a good contribution to the Christian character of the school” - October 2016

Main priorities of your School improvement Plan:

• To implement an ambitious coherently sequenced curriculum from EYFS to Y6.
• To implement and embed a new phonics scheme across the federation.
• To develop a sustainable leadership structure with well- trained staff able to fulfil their curriculum leadership roles.
• To ensure those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive the support they need to make the progress which they are capable of.

Future considerations:

Two of our schools, Beckwithshaw and Ripley are under current orders to convert to Academy status.

Current levels of pupil achievement, attainment and progress:

As cohorts are small data is often based on small numbers of pupils.

At Beckwithshaw in 2019 in Early Years, 80% of pupils achieved a GLD, above the national average. In 2019, Y1 pupils achieving the expected standard in phonics was 92.9%, above the national average. In 2020, 84.6% achieved

the expected phonics standard when they took the assessment as Y2 pupils above the national average and this

remained above national in 2021 when 87.5% achieved the expected standard in phonics.

At the end of KS1 in 2019 outcomes were below the national average for reading and mathematics at age related expectations, just above national for writing and above for science. At the greater depth standard in 2019 outcomes were above national for reading, writing and mathematics.

At the end of KS2 outcomes at age related expectations for reading in 2019 were in line with the national average, in writing outcomes were above the national average and in maths well below.

At the greater depth standard in 2019, outcomes were below the national average in reading and mathematics and above in writing.

In 2019 pupils progress in reading was average (-1.5), average in writing (1.7) and well below average in Maths (-3.4).

At Ripley Endowed in 2019 in Early Years, 77.8% of pupils achieved a GLD, above the national average. In 2019,

Y1 pupils achieving the expected standard in phonics was 71.4%, below national average. In 2020, 85.7% achieved

the expected phonics standard when they took the assessment as Y2 pupils above the national average.

At the end of KS1 in 2019 outcomes were above the national average for reading, writing and mathematics at age related expectations and above at greater depth for reading and writing.

At the end of KS2 outcomes for reading and mathematics in 2019 were well below the national average. In writing outcomes at age related expectations were above the national average but well below for greater depth.

In 2019 in KS2, progress in reading was well below average (-6.06) average in writing (0.45) and average in maths

(-3.73).

At Kettlesing Felliscliffe in 2019 in Early Years 70% achieved a GLD, just below the national average. In 2019, 100% of Y1 pupils achieved the expected standard in phonics above the national average.

At the end of KS1 in 2019 outcomes were above the national average in reading and writing at the expected standard and at the greater depth standard. In mathematics outcomes were just below national at the expected standard but above at the greater depth.

In 2019 in KS2 outcomes for reading, writing and mathematics were above national at the expected standard, just below at greater depth for reading and writing and below for mathematics.

In 2019 pupils progress in reading was average (-0.33), average in writing (2,1) and average in Maths (-1.18).

Budgetary Position:

Beckwithshaw and Ripley Endowed have become eligible for sparsity funding for 2022/23. Kettlesing school was already in receipt of sparsity funding. This has provided increased financial security of all three schools, however there is still an opportunity to further refine the staffing model to make full use of the federated arrangement.

Each school has a positive budget based on the current model for the next three years. Without increases in pupil numbers further plans might be necessary to reduce the deficit after three years.

The needs of our children always come first, and we work closely with parents and carers, building positive relationships that help contribute to the work we do.

Pupils are often encouraged to plan and host events to fundraise for the school and become involvement in events such as Children In Need. Ripley Endowed School has strong links with  All Saints' Church, whereby pupils regularly attend services, provide performances for key events and support the community lunch club assisted by community volunteers. The Governing Board is looking to deepen and extend these links.

Many parents and residents continue to support the schools.  It is in this way that all are able to feel they are active participants in the functioning and development of the Schools;  thiscan only have positive implications for the children.

All three schools have a very active PTA.

They run a variety of social events over the course of the year and are invaluable in providing funding which enhances the educational experience of all the children.

Please click here to read more:

Friends of Ripley

Friends of Beckwithshaw

Each school sends a weekly school newsletter to all parents which includes an introductory article from the current interim Headteacher. Each weekly newsletter also includes a targeted piece of information related to safeguarding (e.g. online safety, firework safety, resources to support mental well-being etc).

Each school also has an active website where newsletters, calendars, events and job vacancies are updated that parents can access at anytime. All of the schools offer a ‘cashless’ system (parent mail) for the processing of any payments. This facility also provides a text service to parents where more urgent messaging can be delivered.

All three schools have recently undertaken a parent survey and feedback on any actions provided via newsletters. Each school provides a termly parent consultation evening to feedback on pupil progress.

Make-up, needs and expectations of pupils:

Beckwithshaw is a much smaller than the average-sized primary school with 75 pupils on roll; 48% of these are boys and 52% of these are girls.  The school is made up of four classes; Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4) and Year 5 and Year 6.

Ripley Endowed is a much smaller than the average-sized primary school; with 45 pupils on roll. There are 3 classes and a governor led pre -school.

At Ripley and the proportion of pupils with special educational needs is 8.8%, which is below the national average. The proportion of pupils classified as FSM is 12.2%. Most pupils are of white British heritage (data from the latest IDSR).

Kettlesing Felliscliffe is a much smaller than the average-sized primary school with 74 pupils on roll. 43% of these are boys and 57% of these are girls. The school is made up of three mixed age classes with a separate Nursery. Most pupils are of White British Heritage and no children speak English and an additional language. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is well-below the national average at 10%. The proportion of pupils who have Special educational needs and/or disabilities is lower than the national average at 10%.

Local Authority and School Improvement

The federation schools work closely with the local authority:  they receive a minimum of 25 days support across the year from a named adviser as well as other specialist advisers such as early years. The local authority provides bespoke training and networks for small schools as well as for subject specific areas.

Staff are also made aware of training opportunities through the LA, and our leaders and designated safeguarding lead attend LA organised meetings/training/networking sessions.

Collaborations:

Beckwithshaw and Kettlesing Felliscliffe Primary Schools federated in April 2017 and later in April 2019, federated with Ripley Endowed CE School.

All three federated schools are part of the Harrogate and Rural Teaching Alliance; this provides support and professional development for staff.

The schools are also part of the Nidderdale cluster of schools so there are opportunities for joint events in the local area such as sports and music.

Harrogate is a spa town and the administrative centre of the Borough of Harrogate in North Yorkshire, England. Historically in the West Riding of Yorkshire, the town is a tourist destination and its visitor attractions include its spa waters and RHS Harlow Carr gardens. 13 miles (21 km) away from the town centre is the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Nidderdale AONB. Harrogate grew out of two smaller settlements, High Harrogate and Low Harrogate, in the 17th century. For three consecutive years (2013–2015), polls voted the town as "the happiest place to live" in Britain.^[2][3][4]

Harrogate railway station and Harrogate bus station in the town centre provide transport connections. Leeds Bradford Airport is 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Harrogate. The main roads through the town are the A61, connecting Harrogate to Leeds and Ripon, and the A59, connecting the town to York and Skipton. Harrogate is also connected to Wetherby and the A1(M) by the A661, while the A658 from Bradford forms a bypass around the south of the town. Harrogate had a population of 73,576 at the 2011 UK census;^[5][6] the built-up area comprising Harrogate and nearby Knaresborough had a population of 89,060,^[5] while the figure for the much wider Borough of Harrogate, comprising Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, as well as a number of smaller settlements and a large rural area, was 157,869.^[7]

Harrogate is an attractive town offering a wide choice of restaurants whose cuisines are drawn from all over the world, a lovely theatre putting on a varied programme, the Royal Hall and International Conference Centre which are venues for a varied range of musical events, a well-established RHS garden, and several art galleries.

The Town also hosts its own Spring and Autumn Flower Shows, Harrogate International Festival attracting high class performers in plays and music, and there is also a Crime Writing Festival, a Children’s Festival and a History Festival. Cycling also helped to promote the town, and Yorkshire in general, when the Tour de France spent its first 3 days in the county, based in the town in 2014, and an annual Tour de Yorkshire followed on from the enthusiasm from this event.

York is a cathedral city with Roman origins at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. It is the historic county town of Yorkshire. The city has long-standing buildings and structures, such as York Minster, York Castle and York city walls. It was a county corporate, outside of the county's council and the ridings. The City of York unitary authority area includes the city, the town of Haxby, and surrounding villages and rural areas. The City of York Council is responsible for providing all local services and facilities throughout the district.

The city was founded by the Romans as Eboracum in 71 AD. It became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria and Jórvík. In the Middle Ages, York grew as a major wool-trading centre and became the capital of the northern ecclesiastical province of the Church of England, a role it has retained.^[6] In the 19th century, York became a major hub of the railway network and a confectionery manufacturing centre, a status it maintained well into the 20th century. During the Second World War, York was bombed as part of the Baedeker Blitz; although less affected by bombing than other northern cities, several historic buildings were gutted and restoration efforts continued into the 1960s.^[7]

North Yorkshire

The geology of North Yorkshire is closely reflected in its landscape. Within the county are the North York Moors and most of the Yorkshire Dales; two of eleven areas of countryside within England and Wales to be officially designated as national parks. Between the North York Moors in the east and the Pennine Hills in the west lie the Vales of Mowbray and York. The Tees Lowlands lie to the north of the North York Moors and the Vale of Pickering lies to the south. Its eastern border is the North sea coast. The highest point is Whernside, on the Cumbrian border, at 736 metres (2,415 ft).^[9]

The two major rivers in the county are the River Swale and the River Ure. The Swale and the Ure form the River Ouse which flows through York and into the Humber Estuary. The River Tees forms part of the border between North Yorkshire and County Durham and flows from upper Teesdale through Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough and to the coast. The River Wharfe forms much of the southern border and also flows into the Ouse within the county.

North Yorkshire is England's largest county and one of the most rural. The area comprises the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a stunning coastline around Scarborough and Whitby. There are ruined castles and abbeys, serene gardens, unique breweries, thrilling rides and industrial heritage. The area hosted the phenomenal Tour de France ‘Grand Depart’ in 2014 and has since created the Tour de Yorkshire, an annual event with global recognition. Success in supporting these events led to Harrogate hosting the UCI Cycling World Championships in 2019.

North Yorkshire has plenty to offer the outdoor enthusiast. From the hard gritstone of Almscliff and Brimham rocks to the limestone of Malham, Gordale and Kilnsey climbing venues are in abundance. The Yorkshire Dales is the premier area for caving and for mountain biking; there are the bridleways of the Dales and North York Moors as well as the renowned trail centre at Dalby Forest. There are a small number of sailing clubs on reservoirs around the county and fantastic surfsport venues and sea kayaking on the east coast.

While the county is rightly known for its wide-open spaces, it also incorporates attractive market towns including Pickering and Helmsley, traditional seaside towns, the Spa town of Harrogate and the ancient city of York - the most visited city outside of London. There are a wide range of shopping, leisure and cultural facilities as well as excellent schools, universities, road and rail links. There really is everything to offer you and your family as a place to work, live and enjoy!

Travelling further afield, we have convenient connectivity, with close proximity to metropolitan cities of Leeds and Newcastle and with a little over two hours commute on the main train line to London. We border the Lake District, Lancashire, County Durham, and Yorkshire & Humber regions with all they have to offer.