We look forward to welcoming you all in September.
Senior School Parents' Handbook
Key Information and Documents
Our Holiday Camps offer a fantastic opportunity for new students to settle in, make friends, and become familiar with their new school environment before the term begins. With a wide range of inclusive, active, and enriching experiences, all delivered by Ratcliffe staff right here on campus, students are sure to enjoy a fun-filled summer.
We offer flexible booking options to suit your family’s schedule and childcare needs. You can choose individual days or full weeks (Monday to Friday) – we would love to see lots of new faces joining us this Summer!
View our Holiday Camp Flyers:
| Autumn Term 2025 | |
| Thursday 28th August | Staff INSET DayNew boarders arrive |
| Friday 29th August | Staff INSET DayInduction for new students |
| Sunday 31st August | Existing Boarders return |
| Monday 1st September | Autumn term begins; all students to arrive for registration by 8.25am |
| Friday 17th October | Half-term begins (after classes) |
| Sunday 2nd November | Half-term ends (Boarders return) |
| Monday 3rd November | Classes begin |
| Friday 12th December | Autumn term ends (after classes) |
| Spring Term 2026 | |
| Sunday 4th January | Boarders return |
| Monday 5th January | Spring Term begins |
| Friday 13th February | Half-term begins (after classes) |
| Sunday 22nd February | Half-term ends (Boarders return) |
| Monday 23rd February | Classes begin |
| Friday 27th March | Spring term ends (after classes) |
| Summer Term 2026 | |
| Friday 17th April | Staff INSET Day |
| Sunday 19th April | Boarders return |
| Monday 20th April | Summer term begins |
| Monday 4th May | Bank Holiday |
| Friday 22nd May | Half-term begins (after classes) |
| Sunday 31st May | Half-term ends (Boarders return) |
| Monday 1st June | Classes begin |
| Friday 3rd July | Summer term ends (after classes) |
Starting in September 2025, our school calendars will be available exclusively online through the Parent Information Hub on the school website. They will be accessible from August 2025.
Please check back in August 2025 for a quick access link.
PA School Uniform Shop – August opening dates and times
The on-site PA second hand uniform shop will be open for new and current parents/guardians to purchase uniform items on the following dates and times, throughout August.
For any enquiries relating to the school uniform shop, please contact [email protected].
- Tuesday 5th August: 3pm – 6pm
- Friday 8th August: 3pm – 6pm
- Tuesday 12th August: 3pm – 6pm
- Friday 15th August: 3pm – 6pm
- Tuesday 26th August: 9am – 10am / 2pm – 5pm
- Wednesday 27th August: 9am – 10am / 2pm – 5pm
- Friday 29th August: 11am – 1pm
Our School Uniform and Sports Uniform are provided by two separate outside suppliers, listed below. Please check the Handbook linked above for uniform requirements and items.
Our School Uniform is provided by Schoolblazer. | If you have any queries about uniform, please contact Schoolblazer directly. Tel: 0333 7000 703 |
Our Sports Uniform is provided by Playerlayer. | If you have any queries about the sports kit, please contact Playerlayer directly. Tel: 0115 981 7363 |
Upcoming Key Dates
Additional communication and details about the key dates below will be sent out and published on this page ahead of each event, later this Term.
- Thursday 19th June 2025 – Information Evening for Parents of children new to the Senior School, Year 7 and above – 6.30pm start.
- Thursday 3rd July 2025: Year 6 to 7 Transition Day, 8.25am – 3.50pm
- Thursday 28th August 2025 – New Boarders Induction and Welcome Day
- Friday 29th August 2025 – Induction day for Year 7 only (School Bus Service is not in operation on this day)
- Monday 1st September 2025 – Classes will begin for all students, with the normal School Bus service in operation. Induction mornings to be held for new students, with lessons to commence thereafter.
Key Contacts
- Katie Newman (Admissions Manager) – 01509 817072 / [email protected]
- Helen Brady (Admissions Assistant) – 01509 817031 / [email protected]
- Sue Davison (PA to Director of Finance and Operations) – School Transport enquiries – 01509 817068 / [email protected]
