Life in the Senior School

At Ratcliffe College our bespoke academic curriculum is complemented by our inspiring co-curricular programme and outstanding pastoral care to ensure that the transition from Year 6 into Year 7 is as smooth as possible. From the moment your child arrives at their induction day, our aim is to help them feel safe and happy as we welcome them into our unique community.

As your child moves through the Senior School, the academic work becomes more challenging and the opportunities to develop their unique gifts and talents both in and out of the classroom, more plentiful. Motivated to succeed by teachers who inspire happiness and a genuine love of learning, the Senior School academic and co-curricular programmes seek to meet your child’s individual needs so that they aspire to reach their greatest potential.

Our dedicated teaching staff always go the extra mile to help nurture your child’s God-given talents, while finding the right balance between challenge and support. All this is achieved within a stimulating and supportive teaching and learning environment, all underpinned by our inclusive Christian ethos.

The School Day

Students can arrive from 8.00am and must be in School by 8.20am. Registration starts at 8.25am and taught lessons finish at 4.10pm.

There are six 55-minute lessons, with two lessons then break, two lessons before lunch and two lessons in the afternoon. All students are provided lunch in our Refectory which is included in the fees.

After 4.10pm there the community comes together to enjoy Tea in the Refectory to boost energy levels before the co-curricular programme of activities or supervised Prep time begins until 6.10pm.

Breakfast Club

There is also the option of an earlier start for those signed up to the Breakfast Club. The Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am to 8.00am in the Refectory, Monday to Friday. A member of staff is always in attendance to supervise students, who can enjoy a healthy breakfast with friends and our Boarding Community. The Menu will include a continental breakfast consisting of a choice of cereals, toast and fresh fruit. Students will also be able to enjoy a cooked breakfast, which may include bacon, sausage, tomato, baked beans, egg, mushrooms, hash brown and fish on Fridays. Hot drinks such as tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available, together with fruit juice and water, regardless of menu choice.

The Breakfast Club will support students who wish to participate in co-curricular activities which take place before academic lessons commence, ensuring they have appropriately re-fuelled before starting their School day. It will also support busy families who may need to drop their children off much earlier than 8.00am.

Mr Kevin Ryce, Senior Deputy Head Academic