Welcome to Kirkby Stephen Grammar School (KSGS)
Kirkby Stephen Grammar School is a successful and continually improving 11–18 school set in the beautiful landscape of the Upper Eden Valley. With around 350 students on roll, including a thriving sixth form, we are small by design – and proud of it. Our size allows us to know every child as an individual, tailoring support and challenge so that every student can reach their full potential.
We are a school with a big heart and a strong sense of community, where staff and students look out for one another. Our teachers go the extra mile, not only in lessons but also in preparing young people for life beyond school. We encourage our students to aim high, to work hard, and to believe in themselves.
At KSGS, learning stretches far beyond the classroom. We excel in sport, music, drama, and the arts, offering a rich programme of trips, clubs, and leadership opportunities. We are proud to lead the Eden Valley School Sport Partnership, which develops PE and sport across five secondary schools and thirty primary schools in the local area.
Since joining Cumbria Education Trust (CET) in December 2024, our students have benefited from even more opportunities. Highlights so far include the CET Innovate Competition, hosting a CET Year 4 Sports Event, Be the Best You Can Be Week, the CET Student Excellence Awards, and our choir representing CET at the University of Cumbria graduation ceremonies. Looking ahead, we are excited about further collaborative events with schools across the Trust.
CET are also investing heavily in our facilities, with a £1.2 million programme of building works and upgrades to improve the learning environment for all our students. We are incredibly grateful for this investment in our school and community.
To sum up what makes KSGS special, our students captured it best in this short acrostic:
K – Knowledge that inspires us to achieve our best
S – Supportive staff and students who care for one another
G – Growth through opportunities in lessons, sport, arts, and beyond
S – Success built on community, confidence, and pride in our school
Most of all, KSGS is a place where young people feel valued and included, with the confidence to succeed and the ambition to go further.
I warmly invite you to visit us at one of our school events or Open Evenings to experience for yourself what makes our school such a special place to learn and grow.
Nic Tweddle
Head of School
About Our Head of School – Nic Tweddle
Nic Tweddle (NPQH) was appointed as Head of School at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School in September 2025 and is proud to be leading a school at the heart of the Upper Eden community. Originally from the Eden area, Nic feels privileged to return to her roots and work with the young people and families of the local community.
With a passion for education, inclusion and high expectations for all students, Nic is committed to building on the school’s proud history and traditions while leading it confidently into the future as part of CET. She is especially excited about the potential of KSGS – its talented students, dedicated staff, and the opportunities ahead to grow, innovate, and excel.
Nic brings a wealth of experience to KSGS, having been involved with CET since its inception. She has served as a Senior Leader in other CET schools and has led a range of projects across the wider Trust as part of the CET Senior Leadership Team. Motivated daily by the warmth, ambition, and spirit of the KSGS community, Nic is committed to ensuring the school continues to flourish as a centre of educational excellence for the town and the wider area.
