THE only state boarding school in Yorkshire has unveiled a £1.1m extension to enable more pupils to live on the site.

Ripon Grammar School headteacher Martin Pearman said the development at Johnson House had created an additional 15 boarding places for girls, meaning the school could now meet its target of 100 boarders.

The investment provides single rooms for sixth-formers, a garden decking area, social space, a kitchen and bathrooms with easy access to the boarding house prep room, dining hall and lounge.

Mr Pearman said while the majority of the school's pupils lived at home, boarding brought its own sense of community and enhanced the school.

Beattie Knights, 17, of Pickering, who joined the Grammar School in the sixth-form, added: "I love the close relationship I have with my friends, but it's nice to have your own space, especially new space like this.

“Boarding is fantastic preparation for university and gives you a taste of independence without the full responsibility of having to look after yourself."

The extension was supported by North Yorkshire County Council and designed by architect Mike Kettlewell, with furniture supplied by Ellis, of Huddersfield, and the orchard garden by donations from Valeria Sykes and Colin Little.