Founded in 1847 by the Rosminian Fathers, Ratcliffe is steeped in history and tradition. Set in 200 acres of beautiful grounds, students benefit daily by working and playing within a truly inspirational physical environment.
The College’s inclusive Catholic ethos is complemented by the outstanding quality of the College’s community through which the College’s Mission, ‘Learning and Growing in the Light of the Gospel’, serves to nurture resilience and develop maturity. Young people leave Ratcliffe with a strong sense of who they are and their purpose in the world, equipped to make a difference to the communities in which they live and work.
Ratcliffe College has been judged ‘Excellent’ in all areas (ISI Inspection, 2022).
Academic excellence. We are committed to getting the very best out of our students and provide every opportunity for them to exceed expectations, realise their full potential and achieve the highest grades possible.
With a winning combination of excellent teaching, small class sizes and state-of-the-art facilities, our pupils benefit from a rich learning environment and consequently attain significantly higher grades than predicted.
In the summer of 2024, 90% of all A level grades were A*–C, and 40% achieving A*/A, with a pass rate of 99.5% overall.
Co-curricular programme. To succeed academically, we believe that young people need to grow and learn outside the classroom too. Our programme provides the perfect balance of academic and co-curricular activities. Pupils have a choice of 90+ clubs, societies and new experiences weekly. Our co-curricular programme revolves around the ‘Big Six’ – Chaplaincy, Sport, Music, Drama, Combined Cadet Force, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Outstanding facilities and campus. Ratcliffe College benefits from outstanding facilities and cutting-edge academic spaces, inspiring a love of learning for all. The College campus and facilities encourage students to excel, and provide a safe community and environment in which to live and grow.
State-of-the-art facilities, include:
• Sixth Form Centre, with a modern business café and independent study facilities
• refurbished boarding accommodation and communal spaces
• Emery Library and Study Centre
• indoor swimming pool
• carbon-zero English Language Centre
• a £1.3 million Fitness Suite
• the tranquil Lockhart Garden
• athletics track
• two sports halls
• floodlit and all-weather pitches (tennis, rugby, hockey and netball).
The campus also benefits from a high-performance theatre, creative art spaces, galleries, and excellent music facilities.
Boarding at Ratcliffe. Our vibrant, warm and welcoming boarding community enjoys a strong international flavour, something that has long been part of the College’s history. Students aged 10 and above can choose from full, weekly, regular, and occasional boarding, becoming part of a diverse boarding community. Our boarders are supported by a dedicated pastoral team and enjoy a comprehensive programme of activities and excursions, arranged for evenings and weekends.
‘Pupils have excellent attitudes to learning and considerable willingness to participate across all areas of their education.’ – ISI Inspection Report 2022
Nearest international airport. East Midlands (20 minutes) / Birmingham International (45 minutes) / London Heathrow (2 hours).
Number of pupils. 915 (100 boarders).
Fees per term (2024-2025). Day: £3,950–£7,890; Boarding: £10,302–£15,474.
Charitable status. Ratcliffe College is a Registered Charity, number 1115975, for the education of children.