Gateways School

Gateways began in 1941 as a wartime venture founded by Nancy Simpson and Lillian Cox with 15 pupils, then moved to the Dower House in 1947. It is now a co-educational setting from early years through Sixth Form at Harewood between Leeds and Harrogate. Growth, Wellbeing and Success provide the stated framework, while the small scale allows support to be shaped around individual strengths and difficulties.

The approach is non-selective. Older applicants complete age-appropriate assessments to identify support needs rather than to rank children, and the route includes registration, academic information, a visit and, where appropriate, a taster visit. Year 7 has a dedicated entrance and scholarship assessment day. Small classes continue through a refurbished Sixth Form centre.

Sixth Form students combine A levels with the EPQ, careers guidance, practical life skills and leadership. Older pupils also take part in an organised enrichment activity, with the club programme changing over time. Day pupils and boarders are not mixed here: the setting has no boarding places.

Early years, prep, High School and Sixth Form share the same emphasis on knowing what support each pupil needs. This combination of a long-established campus, a small-class model and non-selective assessment makes the educational character more individualised than a ranking-based entrance system.