Ratcliffe College

Since 2017, Jonathan Reddin, previously deputy head. Studied sports science, PGCE and master’s all at Loughborough. Drawn to teaching as a result of coaching football in the US. Started his career at Kimbolton School, where he appreciated ‘the

Main intakes are into nursery, reception, and year 7. Typically a dozen join in years 9 and 10. Occasional places in other years, with waiting lists for younger years. Catholics and siblings given priority. A stay and play session, plus reference

Unusual for more than a few students to leave after year 6, with entry to senior school automatic, although students sit the same 11-plus papers as the 30 to 40 externals that join in year 7. Just over a third leave after year 11, usually to local

In 2025, 47 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 45 per cent A*/A at A level (71 per cent A*-B).

‘Encouraging big ideas’ is the stand-out approach here. Parents say children are encouraged to ‘have visibility of the wider world and its challenges’ and ‘form their own opinions’. We witnessed calm classrooms with engaged students working

Twenty-three per cent of pupils (mainly dyslexic, but also some with ADHD and autism) are on the SEN register (higher than national average), supported by a SENDCo and head of learning support, both full-time. Plenty of cosy break-out spaces

School is well known as an ‘all-rounder’, with the co-curricular offering, as they now call it, including the ‘big six’ of sport, music, drama, CCF, DofE and chaplaincy, which all students participate in. The head describes it as ‘very much the

Sport remains as popular as ever, no doubt helped by head’s strong background in this area. Fear not if your child isn’t a natural on the sports field, though – parents say that while ‘there are lots of options, it isn't laser-focused on sport’ and

Although predominantly a day school, parents describe boarding as the ‘heart and soul’ of the school. Available from year 6, around 100 students board – two-thirds boys. Vast majority (about 85 per cent) are full or weekly, although flexi is becoming

Pupils say the school is close-knit, although a few later joiners said they felt ‘awkward’ and found it harder to fit in (open communication with teachers helped, they added). Bullying rare and dealt with ‘quite quickly’, say pupils. Pastoral system

Pupils we met were down-to-earth, confident and chatty – even the quieter ones were eloquent at expressing themselves, including their aspirations. Around a quarter are Catholics, most hailing from the villages along the Fosse Way between Leicester

Scholarships from year 7 in academic, sport and arts, with up to 50 per cent fee remission. Bursaries available for up to 90 per cent (100 per cent for exceptional circumstances).

A secluded Catholic school where many spend their whole childhood. But far from feeling like a bubble, leavers come out well-rounded and more than prepared for the real world, as well as having met their potential. ‘It’s got a loving feel,’ adds a