Business Details
Trusted Co-Ed Catholic School for Ages 3-18 in Leicester
Founded in 1847, Ratcliffe College is a distinguished co-educational Catholic school rooted in the Rosminian tradition. Our institution is guided by Gospel values, fostering a nurturing environment where every student is known, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. With a heritage of academic excellence, we offer a holistic education for ages 3-18, blending tradition with innovation across 200 acres of Leicestershire countryside. Our dedicated staff cultivate intellectual curiosity, cultural awareness, and spiritual growth, preparing students for global citizenship.Recognised as the top 1% in the UK for A Level value-added results, we invest 15M in state-of-the-art facilities while maintaining our historic Victorian Gothic architecture. The college's boarding community, comprising 12% international students, creates a vibrant, inclusive family atmosphere that extends beyond the classroom. Accredited by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and awarded Outstanding Catholic School (CSI, 2025), we combine rigorous academics with character development to shape compassionate, confident leaders.
Services
Nursery Education
Preparatory School
Senior School
Sixth Form
Boarding Facilities
International Admissions
Summer School
Immersion Programme
EAL Support
Half-Term Stays
Highlights and features
- Top 1% in the UK for A Level value-added results
- 15M invested in modern educational facilities
- 99% GCSE pass rate over three years
- 200-acre campus combining historic architecture with modern amenities
- Diverse international boarding community from 20+ countries
Associations and certifications
- ISI
- Catholic Schools Inspection (CSI)
What people say
Excellent preparation for life after school
Loving feel and strong support system
Well-rounded education with global perspective
Outstanding facilities and dedicated staff
Vibrant international community
Services
Nursery Education
Our Nursery provides a nurturing environment for children aged 3-5, combining purposeful play with expert teaching. Small class sizes and dedicated staff foster creativity, curiosity, and foundational learning skills. The curriculum integrates outdoor exploration with structured activities, preparing children for seamless transition to preparatory education while maintaining the joy of early childhood development.
Boarding Facilities
Our boarding houses offer a 'home from home' experience for students aged 10-18. Located centrally on campus, facilities include modern dormitories, communal spaces, and 24/7 pastoral support. The programme develops independence and cultural awareness through a diverse community of 12% international students, with flexible options ranging from full-term to half-term stays.
International Admissions
We welcome international students from Year 6 onwards, offering tailored support for English language development and cultural integration. The programme includes visa assistance, guardianship services, and academic preparation for GCSE and A Level examinations. With students from over 20 countries, our community promotes cross-cultural understanding while maintaining rigorous British educational standards.
Sixth Form
Our Sixth Form provides specialist A Level education for ages 16-18, with a 92% pass rate over three years. The curriculum combines academic rigour with personal development, supported by dedicated subject specialists and modern facilities. Students benefit from university preparation programmes and career guidance, achieving excellent outcomes for progression to top global institutions.
Summer School
The Summer School programme offers intensive English language courses and academic enrichment for international students. Combining structured lessons with cultural excursions, it develops language proficiency and British educational familiarity. Participants experience boarding life while improving their academic skills through interactive, curriculum-aligned activities in our historic Leicestershire campus.
People
Jonathan Reddin
Headmaster
With over 25 years' experience in education leadership, Mr Reddin champions Ratcliffe's Catholic ethos while driving academic innovation. He oversees strategic development and maintains strong community engagement with staff, pupils, and parents.
Mrs Ravat
Head of EYFS
Early Years specialist Mrs Ravat leads our Nursery provision, focusing on child-centred learning through play. She ensures seamless transition to formal education while nurturing foundational skills in a warm, stimulating environment for 3-5 year-olds.
Fr Philip Sainter
Fr President
As Old Ratcliffian and spiritual leader, Fr Sainter guides our Catholic mission. He oversees chapel services, religious education, and community outreach while leading fundraising initiatives for campus development projects.
Questions
What age groups does Ratcliffe College cater for?
We provide continuous education from Nursery (age 3) through to Sixth Form (age 18) on a single campus.
Is Ratcliffe College a religious school?
Founded on Catholic Rosminian values, we welcome students of all faiths while maintaining our Christian educational ethos.
What boarding options are available?
We offer full-term, half-term, and short-term boarding options for students aged 10-18 with 24/7 pastoral support.
How does the school support international students?
We provide EAL lessons, visa assistance, guardianship services, and cultural integration programmes for our 12% international student body.
What academic results does Ratcliffe achieve?
We rank in the UK's top 1% for A Level value-added results with a 99% three-year GCSE pass rate.
Are scholarships available?
Talent scholarships exist for music, art, drama, and sport for UK residents, though not currently available for international students.
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