The College
History and Profile of Ratcliffe College
Ratcliffe College was founded in 1847 by the Institute of Charity, known as the Rosminians. Antonio Rosmini, the founder of the Order, was renowned as an educational innovator and that spirit has propelled the College forward ever since.
The original College buildings were designed by Augustus Welby Pugin, one of the leading exponents of Victorian Gothic architecture, who co-operated with Sir Charles Barry on the design of the Houses of Parliament.
The central quadrangle has been considerably extended throughout the College’s existence, a process which continues today, preserving the glories of the old buildings whilst adding the modern teaching and boarding accommodation our students now require.
Surrounding the College, 100 acres of rolling parkland provide beautiful views from bedrooms and classrooms, as well as giving free rein to every kind of athletic activity.
The school has embraced the best new teaching techniques without changing for the sake of change. Co-education was a major milestone in the development of the College. Girls were admitted to the Sixth Form in 1977 and full co-education was introduced in 1984, making us today one of the leading Catholic co-educational Day and Boarding schools in the country. We have encouraged a lively mix of Day and Boarding students and children come to us from every corner of the globe.
In 1998 a Nursery School for 3-5 year-olds was opened and in 2001 the development of the Junior Department for 5-11 year-olds was completed. Alongside our Senior School for 11-18 year-olds, these innovations mean that Ratcliffe College offers a rounded and fulfilling continuous education for students from 3-18 years old on a single campus.
Our vision is to educate young people in the spirit of the Gospel and the traditions of the Catholic Church, seeking to nurture the God-given talents and potential of each individual so that each one may become a confident, responsible and useful member of society. Whilst we operate as a Catholic School, we welcome children of other denominations and faiths whose parents feel they can share in, and benefit from, the ideals and environment of our school.
One of the greatest strengths of Ratcliffe College is that it provides the expertise and resources to enable boys and girls to fulfil their potential in all aspects of their education. The College places great emphasis on the development of the whole person. Academic achievement will always be paramount, but personal fulfilment and growth through a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities are also of fundamental importance.
In recent years a major investment programme has refurbished and extended the teaching and learning accommodation. Modern and spacious facilities are now in place for all subjects. Alongside strong academic achievement, The Arts and Sport have important roles in College life. The Music Department has specialist teaching rooms and twelve practice rooms equipped with either pianos or electric organs, which complement the pipe organ and Steinway grand piano in the well-equipped Concert Hall and the Willis organ in the Chapel. Art Design and Technology, Media and Drama are very strong bringing together creativity and up to date technology. The modern Sports Centre offers an indoor swimming pool, a new gym and squash courts and the spacious grounds together with the floodlit all weather pitch, enable a wide variety of sports including Tennis, Hockey, Netball,Rugby, Athletics and Football.
Academic standards are consistently high. 40% of all A Level results for 2009 were at grade A, while 40% of the Year group achieved all A and B grades in their three or four subjects. Many students also obtained additional AS qualifications. 44% of grades were achieved at A* and A grades. Click here for examination results.
The school roll in May 2010 stands at 684 including 100 boarders.
The College offers several academic scholarships and similar awards for art, music drama and sport as well as for all-rounders each year. Click here for more details on scholarships.
The Headmaster, Mr Gareth Lloyd, took up his post in September 2009.
