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What it's like

Founded in 1847 by priests of the Institute of Charity as a school for Catholic boys, but has been co-educational since 1984 and under lay management since 1996. Set in 100 acres of splendid grounds 7 miles from Leicester, the main buildings (designed by Pugin) form a compact block round a quadrangle with the old chapel, now converted, occupying a central position. Additions to the school include a sixth-form centre, a fully-appointed theatre, a fine sports centre with an all-weather hockey pitch and modern fitness suite, a swimming pool and modernised boarding accommodation. It is a Catholic school, which welcomes non-Catholic pupils who are in sympathy with the college ethos. Great emphasis is placed on the development of the whole person. Pupils' talents and interests are encouraged through an extensive programme of activities throughout the week and at weekends. A balanced, rounded education is provided that seeks to build upon each child's potential. Music, drama and art are all strongly supported. A number of clubs and societies cater for most extra-curricular activities. The CCF has strong Army and RAF contingents and there is a voluntary service unit. Much emphasis is placed on adventure training, leadership training and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 3-18; 684 pupils, 589 day (342 boys, 247 girls), 95 boarding (57 boys, 38 girls). Junior department 3-11, 164 pupils (86 boys, 78 girls). Senior schol 11-18, 520 pupils (313 boys, 207 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 9, 11, 13 and 16. Entrance by own examination and school report; Common Entrance at 13. For sixth form entry, at least 5 GCSEs at grade C (grade B in sixth form subjects or related subjects).

Scholarships & bursaries

Academic scholarships available at 11 (on entry), 13 and 16; also 2 music choral awards and some additional awards available at the Headmaster's discretion. Some bursaries available on entry at age 11. Discounts for siblings and Service children.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Gareth Lloyd, appointed 2009. Educated at Exeter University, Homerton College (Cambridge) and universities of Reading, London and Sheffield. Previously Senior Deputy Head at Kingswood School and held senior posts at Whitgift. Teaching staff: 58 full time, 18 part time. Annual turnover 8%. Average age 42.

Exam results

GCSE: On average, 85 pupils in fifth form: 85% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 10% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 58 in upper sixth: 99% pass in 3+ subjects, with an average final point score of 312.

Pupils' destinations

93% of sixth form leavers go on to degree courses, 2% to Oxbridge. 16% take courses in science and engineering, 75% in humanities and social sciences, 9% in art and design. Others typically go on to further education courses or into employment with training.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels (including vocational A-levels). 23 AS/A-level subjects (including 2 vocational). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Complementary studies compulsory. Vocational: Work experience available. Applied ICT and business studies offered. Special provision: EAL tuition available; some special needs provision for those with minor specific learning difficulties through in-house specialists. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Latin offered to GCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 300 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Approx 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental examinations can be taken. Musical groups include brass ensemble, orchestra and choirs. Many pupils are involved in school productions and film-making, and other media activities are popular.

Sports & activities

Sport: Rugby, hockey and cricket compulsory for boys; hockey, netball, tennis, rounders for girls. Optional: squash, badminton, swimming, football, basketball, athletics, golf. National honours in athletics; county representatives in rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, squash. GCSE PE and A-level sports science available. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF; voluntary service encouraged (visits to local centres for disabled, SVP group, Lourdes pilgrimage). Many clubs and societies including chess, science, debating, history, film, language, cultural.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; dark suits an alternative in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, monitors, head boy and girl and deputies, appointed by the Headmaster. School Council and Boarding Council. Religion: Roman Catholic. Attendance at religious worship compulsory for boarders on Sundays, for all on Holy Days. Social: Organised trips abroad include trips to France, Germany, Italy, Spain. Pupils allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service. School shop. Twice weekly social evening for sixth form with a meal, run by staff.

Discipline

An unobtrusive but effective approach to discipline. A policy of rewards and sanctions used by the staff to encourage pupils' self-discipline and an observance of the school rules. Merit certificates, badges, shields for good behaviour and achievement; detention in breaktime for minor misdemeanours, or on Saturday mornings for more serious incidents.

Boarding

Single rooms for boarders aged 15+; younger pupils in rooms of 2-3. Single-sex houses in main building.

Association of former pupils

Ratcliffian Association, run by Jackie Bennett, Association Secretary (admin@ratcliffianassociation.com, or tel 01509 815445).

Former pupils

Kevin Myers (journalist), Lord (Norman St John-Stevas) St John (Conservative politician), Richard Wallace (Editor of the Daily Mirror), Peter Caruana (Chief Minister of Gibraltar), Louis Deacon (rugby player).