Page 6 - Hi Res - OR-2016

6 NEWS FROM THE COLLEGE

NEWS FROM THE COLLEGE

THE HEADMASTER’S INTRODUCTION

Ratcliffe students celebrating outstanding A Level results

national, and even global levels. All rugby teams reached at least
Dear Old Ratcliffians,
the semi-final stages of the County Cup - a first for Ratcliffe -
as was our Under 13 Boys’ Hockey Team going to the Nationals,
It is extraordinary how quickly time flies when living and working where they won bronze. We celebrated a more unusual, but
within such a productive community as Ratcliffe. Yet here we are equally fantastic, achievement when Year 13 student, Isobel
again, sharing with you, former students, our reflections upon Knight, won gold medals at the World Dance Championships
the past year. (see page 14 for more details).

The School has continued to grow, both in stature and number. Our School Roll of 830 students, inspired by 150 dedicated
Following outstanding A Level and GCSE results, we find teaching staff, and assisted admirably by a veritable army of
ourselves, once again, in the top 10% of all schools in the United deeply-committed support staff, is an impressive reflection
Kingdom, in terms of the academic value that we have added to of our ever-increasing stature as one of Britain’s leading co-
each student’s education. This is a priceless gift in preparation educational, Roman Catholic boarding and day schools. Yet we
for life after Ratcliffe, with 15% of students achieving at least remain committed to the core purpose of that which we do: to
A*, A*, A grades at A Level, 5% of whom have gained Oxbridge educate each individual child, to attain their best and be the
and Ivy League places, and a staggering 48% of GCSE grades best person possible, within the values of the Gospel. Fr Keith
at A* or A. It has been deeply gratifying to see the vast majority Tomlinson IC (52) (14th September 1935 – 7th May 2016), Father
of our leavers secure their first-choice university, with the elite President and Headmaster of this auspicious School from 1993 to
Russell Group of universities making the lion’s share. 1996, certainly upheld these same values; may he rest in peace.
Our students continue to work hard, play hard, and look after one
Complementing such high levels of academic attainment have another; our staff continue to inspire happiness at its deepest
been outstanding successes in the areas of sport, music, drama level, both inside and outside the classroom; sacramental life
and community work, whether in teams or as individuals. Indeed, and living our lives according to Christian values remain integral
several students have distinguished themselves at regional, to the ethos of our – your – remarkable school. I am immensely

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