At Ratcliffe College Senior School, our personalised curriculum challenges and supports each student to nurture their potential, explore their passions, and develop independent thinking.
| Breakfast Club | 7.30am - 8.00am (continental breakfast menu). The cost of attending is £3.65 per day, per student. All Students must sign in at Senior School reception. |
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| Registration | 8.25am |
| Tutor Time | 8.25am - 9am |
| Period 1 | 9.05am - 10.00am |
| Period 2 | 10.05am - 11am |
| Break | 11.00am - 11.20am |
| Period 3 | 11.20am - 12.15pm |
| Period 4 | 12.20pm - 1.15pm |
| Break | 1.15pm - 2.15pm |
| Period 5 | 2.15pm - 3.10pm |
| Period 6 | 3.15pm - 4.10pm |
| Tea | 4.10pm - 4.40pm |
| Prep Time / Co-Curricular Activities | 4.40pm - 6.10pm |
| Core Subjects |
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| Option Subjects |
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Modern Foreign Languages |
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*Students who speak one of these languages will sit an additional GCSE in that language.
Senior School at a glance...
Top 1%
Value Added Results at A Level
Top 10%
Value Added Results at GCSE
Two-Year
GCSE Course
Three-Year
GCSE Course
25
GCSE Subjects
470+
pupils
A Three-Year Path to GCSE Excellence...
At Ratcliffe College, our Key Stage 4 (GCSE) curriculum is delivered over three years (Years 9, 10, and 11), allowing students more time to master subjects and prepare confidently for their final examinations. This extended programme enables us to teach in smaller GCSE classes, with an average of just 14 students, ensuring every learner receives personalised attention and tailored academic support.
Our small class sizes and expert teaching team help students manage the demands of linear GCSE assessments more effectively, easing pressure and boosting long-term achievement.
The journey begins in Years 7 and 8, where our broad and balanced curriculum lays a strong academic foundation. During this time, students deepen their subject knowledge and develop key learning skills, empowering them to make well-informed choices when selecting their GCSE options.
Student choice is at the heart of our educational philosophy -we aim to give every student the opportunity to pursue subjects they are passionate about, supporting their individual strengths and future aspirations.
3-Year GCSE Curriculum Guide
Two-Year GCSE Pathway
Our two-year GCSE programme at Ratcliffe College is specifically designed to nurture critical thinking, encourage independent learning, and build a strong academic foundation across a broad range of GCSE subjects. This rigorous yet supportive course welcomes students to join at the start of Year 10, providing a focused two-year pathway.
With a wide variety of GCSE subjects available, students can customise their learning experience to match their interests and strengths, acquiring valuable skills and recognised qualifications that support career goals.
International students enrolling in this programme must have a minimum English proficiency level of B1, enabling them to effectively engage with the British curriculum and examination requirements. At Ratcliffe, our goal is for students to reach B2 level or higher by the end of Year 11, as this level of English proficiency is essential for progression into Year 12 - Sixth Form.
Wellbeing and Pastoral Care
At Ratcliffe Senior School, our dedicated Student Support Services Team includes pastoral leaders, school counsellors, learning support specialists, SENDCo, Chaplaincy team, student wellbeing officer, student listeners, medical team - all working in close partnership with teaching staff and families to ensure every child receives the support they need day-to-day.
Our wellbeing provision is proactive, responsive and embedded into our DNA, with activities and initiatives available everyday:
- Online Wellbeing Hub packed with resources for students
- Lunchtime Retreat sessions
- Wellbeing Drop-in support and guidance
- Peer Mentors
- Student Wellbeing Officer
- Sixth Form Student Listeners
The 'Big Six'
The 'Big Six' forms the core co-curricular programmes that shape senior student life, providing key opportunities to develop talent, leadership, and personal growth. Alongside these, senior students can choose from over 100 clubs, societies, and activities each term, ensuring a rich and varied experience beyond the classroom.
