In common with many independent schools, we have maintained a terminology traditional to Harrogate Ladies’ College rather than adopting the standard year group labelling of the National Curriculum. Although our pupils and their parents very quickly become accustomed to our usage, we recognise that it can appear unusual to newcomers. Below is a simple equivalence table:
| HLC Terminology | Age range (years) | National Curriculum Labels |
| Bankfield (co-ed) | ||
| Minors | 2-3 | Pre-school |
| Majors | 3-4 | Foundation Stage 1 |
| Highfield (co-ed) | ||
| Reception | 4-5 | Foundation Stage 2 |
| Prep 1 | 5-6 | Year 1 |
| Prep 2 | 6-7 | Year 2 |
| Prep 3 | 7-8 | Year 3 |
| Prep 4 | 8-9 | Year 4 |
| Prep 5 | 9-10 | Year 5 |
| Prep 6 | 10-11 | Year 6 |
| College (girls only, day/boarding) | ||
| Upper Three | 11-12 | Year 7 |
| Lower Four | 12-13 | Year 8 |
| Upper Four | 13-14 | Year 9 |
| Lower Five | 14-15 | Year 10 |
| Upper Five | 15-16 | Year 11 |
| Lower Sixth | 16-17 | Year 12 |
| Upper Sixth | 17-18 | Year 13 |