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Leeds Grammar School was founded in 1552 by Sir William
Sheafield, who left £14 13s. 4d. in his will for the setting up of a school “...For all such younge
schollars, youthes and children as shall come to be taught, instructed and informed...”
The origins of the school before the provisions made by William Sheafield are somewhat obscure. It may be the case that a grammar school existed in Leeds as early as 1341, but its foundation is usually considered to date from Sheafield’s will of 6th July, 1552.
We do not know for sure where the school was sited, but there are indications that it may have been in The Calls, down by the river. We know that between about 1579 and 1524 the school was in the New Chapel building at the head of Headingley Lane.
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In 1624, John Harrison, a great Leeds benefactor, removed the school “to a pleasant Field of his own which he surrounded with a substantial Wall and in the midst of the Quadrangle built the present Fabrick of the school.” Through the years, the school grew steadily in numbers and in reputation until 1857 when the decision was taken to move to Woodhouse Moor. The building, ecclesiastical in design, was opened in June 1859. At that time the school roll numbered fewer than 100 boys and the buildings were planned for just 200.
By the 1990s, the roll had risen to over 1100 boys,so it was decided that the school must move
and in September 1997, term began at Alwoodley Gates.
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