History of Friends School

Friends School, Great Ayton - otherwise known as Ayton School - was founded in 1841 as a co-educational agricultural boarding school set in a most picturesque setting in the shadow of the Cleveland Hills.

The School expanded and thrived over the years. Over 7,000 pupils received their education - and much of the Quaker ethic over 157 years until - sadly - closure as a result of "economy of scale" came in 1997.

However, Ayton Old Scholars' Association thrives with annual their reunion being held in Ayton during the last weekend of June each year.