The heart of Happy Valley

Sarah Lancashire and Rhys Connah filming at Ryburn.

Like millions around the country, we’ve been glued to the final season of the BBC’s explosive hit drama Happy Valley. Filmed and set around Sowerby Bridge in Calderdale, local viewers have enjoyed spotting familiar spots, not least our very own Ryburn Valley High School, which served as a picturesque backdrop in the series, appearing as Ryan’s school.

Filming at Ryburn took place over February half term in 2022, when the school was filled with camera crew, lighting rigs, sound engineers, runners, producers along with star actors including Sarah Lancashire and Rhys Connah. Even Sally Wainright put in an appearance. Over 200 students and staff were featured as extras.

Tune into BBC Radio Leeds this morning and you’ll have heard reporter Oly Woodcock live from Ryburn interviewing students about their experience of the show. Listen again below.

BBC reporter Oly Woodcock interviews Aidan, Loelle, Olivia and Max — Reporter Oly Woodcock interviews Aidan, Loelle, Olivia and Max live on BBC Radio.

Ryburn has a long history of being involved in big TV productions. It’s not about the glitz and glamour, but for the doors it opens for students in career aspirations, whether as budding actors or the many roles within the media.

Triestina Bozzo, Assistant Headteacher and Director of Quality and Innovation across the Together Learning Trust explains:

“We are incredibly proud of the opportunities we are able to provide our students, especially when working with creative giants like the BBC and top production companies. We talk about the arts not only being a fulfilling and diverse career path, but also a platform for vital transferable skills. As a school we nurture our students' passions, and put them front and centre in everything we do; from hosting key events and being ambassadors in the community to producing podcasts and content for our social pages. We build them up to go out in the world with confidence in themselves, not just in drama but also as well-rounded individuals. I think this shines through in the creativity and character we see in our school everyday. Our motto is Strive to Excel, and our staff and students certainly do that.”