Academic Expectations 

Ripley, in South-West Surrey, is in one of the most competitive areas in the world for academic selection to senior schools.Six of the schools we feed have been at the top of the academic league tables - and the only way for these schools to do that is through ruthless selection at 13+.

Our philosophy of not cramming pays off in the short term (the children take ownership of their own education) and the longer term (they go to schools for which they are really suited) but we clearly must have high expectations or the children would not feature at all. The fact that we do gain successful entry to these schools is testament to the fact that we get the work-life balance about right.

The skill in assembling a suitable curriculum for young children is to allow for a smooth transition through the years, minimising the pressure points. The skill is also to choose those subjects which best benefit young children, and to introduce them at a time apposite to their development. Do take a glance at our curriculum summary.

We do have to test the children regularly, but we do not make a fuss about this. By using nationally standardised tests and our experience, we are able to advise parents on the senior schools that would suit their children, and also whether their children would pass (most do!) the selection and would thrive there.