New Name and New Era for Harrogate Ladies’ College Family of Schools
Harrogate Ladies’ College has announced it will extend its co-ed provision into senior school from September 2026. At the same time the school, along with its associated junior school, Highfield Prep School, will operate under the new name of Duchy College.
The beginning of a new era: Duchy College, Harrogate
Part of the Harrogate community since 1893, the school began life as a boys’ school, before becoming a girls’ senior school, and went on to open a co-ed prep school 25 years ago. Now in the next phase of its evolution, it will once again welcome boys to its senior school in Year 7 and Year 12 from September 2026, and will operate under the new name of Duchy College for all pupils from 2 to 18 years.
The school will continue to be led by Principal, Joanna Fox along with the current senior leadership team and the existing Board of Governors led by Chair of Governors, Dame Francine Holroyd.
We were pioneers of girls’ education in the early 20th century at a time when girls struggled to access university. The world has, thankfully, evolved and our focus has evolved with it. Our aim today is to provide a tailored educational experience, where pupils are known as individuals and are supported pastorally and academically. Our small, nurturing environment enables our pupils to be themselves. Our ethos today is ultimately relevant to all young people.
Principal, Mrs Joanna Fox
The beginning of a new era: Duchy College, Harrogate
I know our ethos is the reason many parents choose our school for their children, and it is the reason we are regularly asked by parents of boys about joining our senior school. We are, therefore, excited about being able to extend our provision to all children and parents in the future. We are committed to ensuring we move forward gradually and sensitively. Our immediate priority is our existing pupils. We are introducing this next chapter with a dedication to continuity and working closely with our with our current families and alumni.
Principal, Mrs Joanna Fox
Previously, the school was called Harrogate College before the introduction of Harrogate Ladies’ College in the 1980s and Highfield Prep School in 2000. The new name of Duchy College, which aligns with the school’s location within The Duchy area of Harrogate, will be used across all areas of the school from September 2026.
This new chapter will also see further developments to the school’s campus and academic provision from September 2026, including: the opening of a brand new Sixth Form Centre, which will offer individual study spaces; an extended sports provision; a new baccalaureate programme running from prep school into senior school; and an enhanced co-ed “boutique” boarding environment.
As Harrogate’s only boarding school, we are uniquely placed to provide extended support outside the standard school day to support parents who are juggling busy family lives. Having the opportunity to board occasionally is also invaluable experience for older pupils as they prepare for university.
Principal, Mrs Joanna Fox
Chair of Governors, Francine Holroyd, who is also a former pupil and current parent at the school said;
I am incredibly excited about this natural evolution of our school community. This is a positive and proactive long-term strategy which will enable us to continue to uphold the ethos and values of the school; to expand the opportunities for pupils; and secure the future of our school for the next 130 years and beyond.
Chair of Governors, Dame Francine Holroyd