Duchy College Celebrates Double Recognition in National Education Awards

Duchy College, Harrogate (formerly Harrogate Ladies’ College), is celebrating multiple commendations in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

Duchy College, Harrogate (formerly Harrogate Ladies’ College) is celebrating multiple commendations in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

Duchy College, Harrogate (formerly Harrogate Ladies’ College) is celebrating multiple commendations in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

Duchy College has been commended in the Regional Independent School of the Year: North category, while Duchy College Prep (formerly Highfield Prep) received a commendation in the Independent Prep School of the Year category.

To gain recognition in these national awards is a fantastic achievement for our family of schools. We are exceptionally proud to represent our region in the North, with our pupils achieving some outstanding accolades in the past 12 months. We were the only Yorkshire school to feature in the TeenTech Finals, with three of our pupils going on to win in their category, our senior netball team was Yorkshire’s lone representative in the finals of the Sisters N Sport Seniors Trophy and our Chapel Choir flew the flag as the only Yorkshire school in the National Choir Competition Grand Final.

Principal, Joanna Fox

Duchy College Prep is the only North Yorkshire prep school to be commended in the Independent Prep School of the Year category.

Our Prep School has delivered outstanding outcomes for our pupils this year and are worthy recipients of a commendation. Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Week saw pupils participate in specialist workshops on resilience and leadership, fitness sessions, sporting activities, mindfulness and yoga classes. Creatively, art lessons held each week with Duchy College’s Head of Art provide Prep pupils with advanced techniques and an opportunity to work consistently with an A-Level subject specialist.

Head of Prep, James Savile

The Independent Schools of the Year Awards celebrate excellence and outstanding student experiences across the UK’s independent education sector and are recognised as one of the most respected accolades in independent education. This year’s awards attracted a record number of entries from schools across 25 categories.

Finalists for the 2026 awards will be announced in September, with the winners revealed at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards ceremony in October.

Highfield’s Longest Serving Staff Member Honoured at Final Speech Day

After nearly 30 years of service, the retiring Lorraine Simcock was front-and-centre at the last ever Highfield Prep School Speech Day.

(L-R): Highfield Head Boy, Lorraine Simcock, James Savile, Highfield Head Girl.

(L-R): Highfield Head Boy, Lorraine Simcock, James Savile, Highfield Head Girl.

Mrs Simcock began her journey at the school in 1997 and is a much-loved member of the Highfield Pre-School community.

I have been so fortunate to work alongside such wonderful people. So many of my friends are colleagues I have worked with here, many of them are lifelong friends. I am very privileged to have been with so many children at the very beginning of their learning journeys and I hope they have had as much fun as I have.

Highfield’s longest serving staff member, Lorraine Simcock

 

The annual Speech Day, which saw Highfield pupils receive prizes for their academic and extra-curricular success from the 2025/26 academic year, held extra significance as it was the school’s last Speech Day as Highfield Prep, before becoming Duchy College Prep in September.

As we look ahead, we do so at a particularly significant moment. The transition to Duchy College Prep marks not just a change of name, but a moment to step forward together with confidence and ambition. It is not a departure from who we are. It is the continuation of a story that has always been about growth, courage and belief in young people.

Head of Highfield, James Savile

 

Alongside awards for performing and creative arts, sport, drama and Forest School, Speech Day also featured speeches from the Head Boy and Head Girl.

Highfield has taught me how to be kind and compassionate, curious and attentive but most of all, every staff member and peer has helped me feel valued. This school shows us the beauty of a community: the sense that everyone is looking out for you and provides a safe place to problem solve and explore your strengths and curiosity

Highfield Head Boy

A Fond Farewell

Pre-School celebrated Mrs Simcock’s retirement with a surprise garden party, honouring her remarkable 30 years of nurturing, inspiring, and caring for generations of children, leaving a lasting legacy at the school.

Impressive Artwork

Upper 4 pupils have created a fantastic collection of Textiles work over this past academic year for their theme of the sea, by transforming canvas shoes into vibrant pieces inspired by famous paintings. 

Rock ‘n’ Roll

Mr Webster’s concert was an absolute rock ‘n roll classic. It was wonderful to see the children come together to play and the audience were amazed at the fabulous standard of playing. 

Year 12 pupils claim national innovation award

A standout project on smart bandages which aid chronic wound healing for dogs has secured Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College from September 2026) national award recognition at Friday’s TeenTech Awards Finals in London.

Sophia Lo, India Thomas and Smilla Meister (not pictured) won Best Research (Year 12-13) at the TeenTech Award Finals in London.

Sophia Lo, Smilla Meister and India Thomas’ project, PetMedD, gained outstanding feedback from the TeenTech judges as they won the Best Research category Years (12-13).

This was a confident submission that demonstrated strong skills, technical capability and thoughtful design. The team has identified a clear, real-world problem and responded with a carefully thought-through solution that balances technical ambition with strong empathy for animal welfare and owner stress

TeenTech judge feedback on PetMedD

All three teams the school entered were named finalists in 2026, with PetMedD the only Yorkshire team to win their category in the TeenTech Finals.

It was an incredible experience and we were so excited to win our final. Every single project there was well researched and of a high level, so to go home with the trophy is a fantastic feeling. I am so proud of all three teams, we put in so much effort and had incredible support from the school.

PetMedD team member, India Thomas

Joining PetMedD at the TeenTech Finals were Ruby and Harriet with their project on regenerated methane panels and Reewa, Eunice and Ryanna, who researched improving living conditions in Sub-Saharan African countries.

Three teams will represent Harrogate Ladies' College at the upcoming TeenTech finals in London.

Three teams represented Harrogate Ladies’ College at the recent TeenTech finals in London.

The projects focus on ethical innovation and research, highlighting issues and providing creative and sustainable solutions to issues facing society.

52% of the school’s university applications were in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) courses in 2026, double the national average of female applications in 2025.

Spanish Tapas

Lower Sixth Spanish students enjoyed a delicious tapas cooking session led by Mrs Baskind and Señora Sánchez. As part of their cultural enrichment, students prepared albóndigas y patatas bravas.

Prep 3 Forest School

Prep 3 headed to the Willow Garden with a morning spent focusing on flowers and plants. They created beautiful hapa zome fabric prints and enjoyed a refreshing drink from the Forest School fruit cocktail bar!

Colour Run

Senior, prep 5 and prep 6 pupils came together last week for a fun-filled afternoon taking part in our annual Colour Run for this year’s charity partner, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity.

Harrogate Ladies’ College Celebrate National Innovation Award Recognition

Three teams of innovators have made history for Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College from September 2026), after successfully earning a place at the TeenTech Awards Finals in London.

Three teams will represent Harrogate Ladies' College at the upcoming TeenTech finals in London.

Three teams will represent Harrogate Ladies’ College at the upcoming TeenTech finals in London.

Following one team’s success in 2025, all three teams that entered the in 2026 were named finalists, with Harrogate Ladies’ College the only Yorkshire school to make the TeenTech Finals.

The projects, which focus on ethical innovation and research, highlighted contemporary issues and provide creative and sustainable solutions to issues facing modern society.

The three projects entered to the TeenTech Awards are:

Project Team Members
PetMedD (ethical innovation): a smart bandage for pets focused on chronic wound healing for dogs which produces hydrogel and can be managed by pet owners through an app, which tracks recovery progress. Sophia Lo, Smilla Meister and India Thomas
The Poverty Trap (research): improving living conditions in Sub-Saharan African countries by helping individual escape ‘The Poverty Trap’ a phenomenon which people currently living in poverty struggle to escape poverty due to inadequate resources or financial insecurity. Reewa Bennett, Eunice Leung and Ryanna Sin
PurePasture (ethical innovation): panels made from zeolite which attached to fences surrounding cattle fields, capturing and recovering methane which is regenerated and reused to power factories. Ruby McHale and Harriet Nolan

 

The dedication, commitment and creativity shown by each team is simply outstanding. We are exceptionally proud of all three teams and these results are testament to the school’s long tradition of championing careers in STEM for our pupils.

Mrs Joanna Fox, Principal

In 2026, 52% of the school’s university applications were in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) courses, which is double the national average of female applications in 2025.

The three teams will attend the TeenTech Finals at the Institution of Engineering and Technology in London after receiving outstanding feedback from TeenTech judges.

This is a thoughtful, rigorous and compassionate piece of research with clear real-world relevance and exceptional potential. I can’t wait to see this idea on Dragons Den!

TeenTech Judges

Taster Trays

The Reception children enjoyed a morning tasting all kinds of healthy foods in our dining room this week. They loved the potatoes and strawberries the most and asked lots of questions about healthy eating. 

CSI Day

Our Upper 4 pupils became true detectives, learning about fibre analysis, blood spatter, fingerprinting and more to solve a fictitious murder. They had a fantastic day of investigating, collaborating and problem-solving. 

Highfield Swimmers Earn Place at National Primary Swimming Championships

Highfield Prep School (Duchy College Prep from September) will proudly represent the North East in the 2026 Primary Team Swimming Championships after success in their recent qualifier.

Highfield Prep Swimmers will represent the North East in Saturday's National Championships

Highfield Prep Swimmers will represent the North East in Saturday’s National Championships

Georgia, Jack, Lily, Luca, Messie and Wesley will compete against the best primary school aged swimmers in the country at the state-of-the-art Forge Ponds International Sports Centre in Sheffield later this month.

We are exceptionally proud of our swimmers, who thoroughly deserve a place at the Primary Team Championships. To earn a place in the finals from over 20 schools at the North East qualifier is a testament to the team’s hard work and the dedication of our talented swimming coaches. Competing on a national stage will provide invaluable experience for the young swimmers, who are looking forward to testing themselves against the strongest primary school teams in the country.

Mr James Savile, Head of Highfield

Pupils in all year groups have weekly swimming lessons in the school’s on-site pool, run by Highfield’s accredited swimming coaches. Highfield also recently held its inaugural Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Week, which reflects Highfield’s dedication to developing healthy young people through a balanced and enriching educational experience. These initiatives build on the successful Fundamental Movement Skills Programme which was launched in 2025.

His Majesty, King Charles III, visits Harrogate Ladies’ College

For pupils and staff at Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College from September), Tuesday 26 May will long be remembered as a day unlike any other, as the school welcomed His Majesty King Charles III for a private visit during a pivotal period in the school’s history.

College prefects Tilly, Tabby and Jemima, meeting King Charles

Arriving to a reception from governors and senior staff, the King was guided through the College by the Principal and three prefects, who gave him an insight into school life. It was His Majesty’s first visit to Harrogate Ladies’ College and the first time the school has welcomed a reigning monarch.

The King remarked upon the beauty of the school’s setting, admitting he had not quite realised its remarkable location within the Duchy area of Harrogate. Throughout the afternoon, conversations reflected his natural curiosity and longstanding interest in education and community.

In the library, the King discussed balancing the demands of A Levels alongside leadership responsibilities and music commitments with three prefects, discussing how they manage the pressures of study while embracing wider school life.

King Charles speaks with the Harrogate Ladies’ College Chapel Choir following their performances.

The College Chapel Choir performed With A Voice of Singing and the Sevenfold Amen, while Year 6 pupils from Highfield Prep School delivered a confident performance from their recent production. Speaking afterwards, he asked how long they had rehearsed, praising both their confidence and composure.

Among those performing was Head of Chapel Choir, Tilly Reid, who described the experience as unforgettable.

It was very special to meet and perform for the King today. He was very interested in our school and said it was ‘an absolute delight’ to hear us sing. It was a moment I will never forget.

Tilly Reid

Members of Highfield Prep School’s Prep 6 class meet King Charles

The King was particularly interested to hear about the College’s transition to co-education. In June 2025, Harrogate Ladies’ College announced plans to become fully co-educational for pupils aged 2–18 from September 2026, alongside a new identity as Duchy College.

For Principal, Joanna Fox, the significance of the visit extended far beyond ceremony.

It was an absolute honour to welcome the King. His visit comes at a hugely important time in the school’s history, making the occasion especially meaningful for everyone in our community. The staff and pupils present will remember this day for the rest of their lives and feel immensely proud to have been part of such a memorable event.

Principal, Joanna Fox

Principal, Joanna Fox, welcoming King Charles to Harrogate Ladies' College

Principal, Joanna Fox, welcoming King Charles to Harrogate Ladies’ College

Before departing, the King presented the school with a native British oak tree, one of 80 being gifted ahead of His Majesty’s 80th birthday in 2028.

Highfield Prep Launches Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Week

Highfield Prep School (Duchy College Prep from September 2026) will spotlight physical wellbeing, mental resilience and healthy lifestyles during Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Week, taking place from 8–12 June 2026.

The themed week will immerse pupils from Pre-School to Prep 6 in a wide-ranging programme of activities built around four key themes:

  • Move It! – Physical activity and sport
  • Fuel It! – Nutrition and healthy eating
  • Balance It! – Sleep, mindfulness and healthy screen habits
  • Grow It! – Challenge, resilience and teamwork

Throughout the week, pupils will take part in specialist workshops, fitness sessions, sporting activities, mindfulness and yoga classes, healthy cooking experiences and enjoy inspiring talks from experts in a wide range of fields.

Pupils will enjoy storytelling yoga, dance inspired by former Strictly Come Dancing star, Oti Mabuse, physio-led workshops and healthy food tasting experiences.

We are passionate about providing every pupil with opportunities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing and Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Week is a fantastic opportunity to build on our outstanding provision. With a broad range of activities across the week, featuring a wide variety of experts from our local community, we are excited to provide pupils of all ages with opportunities to develop healthy habits and the importance of looking after both body and mind.

We are passionate about providing every pupil with opportunities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing and Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Week is a fantastic opportunity to build on our outstanding provision. With a broad range of activities across the week, featuring a wide variety of experts from our local community, we are excited to provide pupils of all ages with opportunities to develop healthy habits and the importance of looking after both body and mind.

Head of Highfield, Mr James Savile

The programme also includes biathles, swimming, cooking workshops, PE events, fitness sessions and online safety talks; helping pupils explore all aspects of healthy living in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Week reflects Highfield’s commitment to developing confident, resilient and healthy young people through a balanced and enriching educational experience, building on the successful Fundamental Movement Skills Programme which was launched in 2025.

Former Head Pupils Inspire at the 2026 Harrogate Ladies’ College Speech Day

Head Pupils from the past 40 years reflected on their experiences and highlighted the exciting opportunities ahead at the 2026 Harrogate Ladies’ College Speech Day, the school’s last before becoming Duchy College in September.

Former Head Prefects Sarah Thompson, Lucy Thompson and Heather Gagen reflected on their experiences and looked to the future at the 2026 Harrogate Ladies’ College Speech Day

Lucy Thompson (Head Prefect in 2023), Heather Gagen (2000) and Sarah Thompson (1984) provided candid and thoughtful reflections on their time at Harrogate Ladies’ College, before looking forward to the school’s new era as Duchy College.

It is such a privilege to be back here today, speaking at a moment that feels so important in the school’s history.

I do not think the success of a school is determined by whether it is all girls or co-educational. What matters is whether it holds onto its values. This school never just produces high-achieving pupils, it produces decent people. Hardworking people. People who know how to support one another. People who understand community.

2023 Head Prefect, Lucy Thomas

L-R: 2026 Head Prefect, Joesphine Williams, former Head Prefects Sarah Thompson, Lucy Thompson and Heather Gagen, Principal, Joanna Fox and 2026 Head Prefect, Anya Soranaraksopon

L-R: 2026 Head Prefect, Josephine Williams, former Head Prefects Sarah Thompson, Lucy Thompson and Heather Gagen, Principal, Joanna Fox and 2026 Head Prefect, Anya Soranaraksopon

Speech Day also featured a review of the year by pupils and speeches from the outgoing 2025/26 prefect group.

I have gained more than I thought possible from my time at Harrogate Ladies’ College. Everyone is free to be themselves and celebrated for who they are. Being yourself is what allows this special and unique community to thrive.

Lower School Prefect, Jemima Crebbin.

Lower School Prefect, Jemima Crebbin

Principal, Mrs Joanna Fox, reflected on the outgoing Upper Sixth class and their wonderful contributions to the school.

Although you will soon be leaving us to start your next chapter, we hope you take with you a sense of belonging and know you are still part of our extraordinary family. I hope all our leavers have benefitted from their time here at Harrogate Ladies’ College. That you have learned to value authenticity and our ethos, and that these have helped to form the foundations of who you are.

Principal, Joanna Fox

Principal, Joanna Fox, addresses the crowd about the school’s next chapter as Duchy College, Harrogate

From September 2026, Harrogate Ladies’ College will operate under the new name of Duchy College. At the same time, the school will begin the phased and sensitive extension of their co-ed provision from Prep School into Senior School.

We now look to the future we are building as one of possibility. New facilities, new programmes, all designed to ensure every pupil, girl or boy, is equipped to flourish in a world that is changing faster than ever. As we prepare for change, we honour the courage of those who came before us – those who believed education could transform live, and who built a school that has done exactly that. We also honour the values of our school, which will endure as we become Duchy College.

Principal, Joanna Fox

Reception Bee Day

The reception children have enjoyed learning all about the life cycle of a bee this week. They have learnt so many interesting facts and performed an assembly to their parents and the whole school.

Buzzy Bee Yoga

Transition enjoyed their buzzy bee yoga session with Mrs Wheeler. They practised balancing in different positions on their mat and used colourful scarves to fly like a bee before landing on their flowers.