St Peter’s is a thriving and busy school combining nearly 1400 years of history with an innovative curriculum and masses of opportunities outside the classroom, designed to give our pupils the Keys for Life as we prepare them to be confident, successful and fulfilled adults who make a positive impact on their world.
Founded in AD627, St Peter’s is the fourth oldest school in the world and is situated within 50 acres of riverside campus within the heart of the cultural City of York.
We are proud of our rich history, but never fail to innovate. We combine top-notch academics with one of the busiest co-curricular programmes in the country, supported by outstanding teachers and excellent pastoral care, so that our pupils can make the most of their potential, and find their “spark”.
We aim to give our pupils the “Keys for Life” by working with them to achieve excellence in our 4 Keys; qualifications, skills, interests and values. We want our pupils to leave school prepared for success and fulfilment in their adult lives, and to make a positive impact on their world.
Hear from our pupils in this short video about what makes St Peter's School so special.
Why Choose Us ?
4th oldest school in the world, founded in 627 AD
1 school, providing a seamless educational journey from 2 to 18.
1,300 girls and boys aged 2-18
50 acres of land at the heart of York
4 boarding houses
82% of A Level results were A*-B in 2024
68% of GCSE results were Grades 9-7 in 2024
80 co-curricular clubs and activities
250 sports teams and 15 different sports
£16 million: Our contribution to the local economy
85% reduction of single use plastics
An award-winning school
We are an award-winning school. Rated as Excellent in all areas, we offer the highest quality teaching and co-curricular opportunities to all pupils.
- Pre-Prep and Independent School of the Year 2021
- The Sunday Times North Independent School of the Year 2019
- Prep / Pre-Prep School of the Year 2018
We provide a unique blend of history and innovation, green space and city living, academic excellence and co-curricular opportunities, and a seamless educational journey for girls and boys aged 2-18.
Our Prospectus
Download the Prospectus here
The Peterite
Each year we publish a report on the important events across the school, which is the perfect way to capture the exciting opportunities available to our pupils. Please see the latest edition below.
Key Reviews
St Peter’s appeals to parents across the north of England and beyond for the enviable combination it offers of academic achievement and redoubtable sporting opportunities. St Peter’s develops determined all-rounders capable of contributing to society once they leave, confident in the skills they have acquired at this historic school.
...great results, extensive co-curricular activities and guest lectures and...'phenomenal' theatre productions...
A school that approaches education – in the widest sense - in a very thoughtful and enlightened way.
It’s a fantastic school led by an inspirational Head who knows all the children and whose door is always open.
St Peter's 2-8 showcases everything an independent pre-prep school should offer: an outstanding innovative and broad curriculum, which encourages curiosity in an ever-changing world.
Something enormously exciting is happening here - we can completely understand why St Peter's 2-8 has a national reputation...These happy, very engaged, active children are extremely fortunate to start their school life here.
My children love going to school and are absolutely thriving. They are incredibly lucky.
St Peter’s is a wonderful, magical place and has been such an integral part of our family life… [My children] will always look back with immense pride and joy at their time within the school.