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 1%
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.
Pastoral Care
At Ratcliffe College, the wellbeing and safety of our students are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an environment where every child is known, valued, and supported to flourish.
Our dedicated Student Support Services Team works in close partnership with teachers and families to provide a coordinated network of care. This team includes pastoral leaders such as Heads of Year, the Lay Chaplain, Student Wellbeing Coordinator, school counsellor, SENCO, Deputy SENCO, and our medical team. This approach is supported by our team of Higher Level Teaching Assistants, who focus on emotional literacy, as well as our Sixth Form Student Listeners and Peer Mentors.
Tutors are the first port of call for most pastoral matters and play a key role in monitoring student wellbeing and progress. Where additional support is needed, Heads of Year work closely with Tutors, families, and the wider Student Support Services Team to coordinate a tailored response for each child.
Our wellbeing provision is proactive, responsive, and embedded within the fabric of school life. We believe that promoting mental health, resilience, and personal growth should not be an afterthought but a daily priority. To this end, we offer a range of initiatives and opportunities every day:
- Fortnightly PSHCE Lessons – a structured programme that supports personal, social, health, relationships, and economic education, equipping students with essential life skills.
- Online Wellbeing Hub – a comprehensive library of self-help resources, videos, and advice for students of all ages.
- Student Wellbeing Coordinator – a dedicated, approachable member of staff focused entirely on supporting emotional health and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
- Lunchtime Retreat Sessions – a calm space in the Chaplaincy where students can reflect, recharge, or simply take a mindful pause in the middle of the school day.
- Wellbeing Drop-In – available for students who wish to speak with the Student Wellbeing Coordinator for immediate guidance or a listening ear.
- Peer Mentoring Programme – trained student mentors offer informal support, helping younger pupils settle into school life and navigate challenges.
- Sixth Form Student Listeners – trained Sixth Form students who provide peer-to-peer listening support. Easily recognisable in their iconic red hoodies, they play a vital role in creating a culture of empathy and openness across the school.
- Parent Cafés – held regularly to offer parents and carers an informal opportunity to engage with staff, share experiences, and explore strategies for supporting young people with the challenges they face today.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding underpins all aspects of our work. We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Ratcliffe has a dedicated Director of Safeguarding who oversees all aspects of child protection across the Senior School and works closely with pastoral and academic staff. Students and families are encouraged to raise concerns at the earliest opportunity, either by speaking directly to the Director of Safeguarding or by using our secure online reporting form, Whisper, which allows concerns to be shared confidentially at any time.
These provisions are underpinned by our Catholic Rosminian values, reinforced through our termly focus on the Gospel Values of Catholic Social Teaching. Together, they foster a school environment where students are encouraged to grow not only academically but spiritually, morally, socially, and emotionally, knowing that they are safe and supported every step of the way.
PSHCE and RSHE Programme
The Ratcliffe College PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education) Programme is carefully designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills on a range of important topical and emotive issues, crucial for their personal well-being and growth.
Our programme empowers students to become confident, balanced, and well-informed members of their community.
Every Senior School student at Ratcliffe participates in fortnightly PSHCE sessions led by their tutor. These sessions provide a positive and supportive environment for learning and addressing emotive issues relevant to today's young people.
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.
