Admissions Admissions FAQs
What is the admissions process at Ripley Court School and how do I apply?
We understand choosing the right school is important an important decision. Here, we’ve answered some common questions to guide and support you through our admissions process. For a full overview, please visit our Admissions Process page.
1. Visit Us
The first step is to come and see Ripley Court in action. We would be delighted to welcome you to an Open Morning or arrange a personal tour so you can explore the school, meet our Headmaster and staff, and get a real sense of our community.
2. Register
If you feel Ripley Court is the right choice for your child, the next step is to complete our registration form. This secures your child’s place in the admissions process.
3. Taster Experience
Once registered, we invite your child to spend time with us for a tailored Taster session. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to experience life at Ripley Court, meet their peers, and for us to understand how best to support them.
4. Offer of a Place
Following the Taster session, we will be in touch with a formal offer. At this stage, you’ll have all the information you need to confirm your child’s place and begin preparing for their exciting start at Ripley Court.
What are the main entry points for Ripley Court School?
Our usual entry points are:
- Nursery – Children can join in the term of their third birthday.
- Reception – Age 4+
- Year 3 – Age 7+
We also welcome applications for other year groups where places are available.
Do you accept pupils outside the main entry points, including in-year admissions?
Yes. In addition to our main entry points, we are able to welcome pupils into other year groups throughout the year, subject to availability. Our supportive and welcoming community ensures new pupils settle quickly into life at Ripley Court.
When should I apply, and are there application deadlines?
We recommend registering your interest and contacting our Admissions team as early as possible, particularly for our main entry points. Places can be limited, so an early conversation gives families the best opportunity to understand availability and the admissions process.
Is there a waiting list for places?
Availability can vary between year groups and from year to year. If a year group is full, we do operate a waiting list and our Admissions team will be able to explain the current position and advise you on the next steps.
Can I visit Ripley Court before applying?
Absolutely. We warmly encourage prospective families to visit us before making a decision. A visit is the best way to experience our school, meet our staff and children, and discover all that Ripley Court has to offer.
Do you offer Open Days, Open Mornings or private school tours?
Yes. We hold monthly Open Mornings for parents who prefer to visit in a small group. We are also delighted to arrange personal tours for families who would prefer an individual visit at another time.
What happens during the assessment?
Our assessment process is designed to be welcoming and enjoyable for your child. It offers a chance for them to experience a typical day at Ripley Court, meet teachers and classmates, and settle into the school environment. During this time, we observe how your child learns and interacts, helping us understand how best to support their individual needs from day one.
Reception children join their class for the morning and leave after lunch, while older children spend more time experiencing lessons and activities tailored to their stage. There is no need for any preparation, the focus is on making your child feel, welcome, safe and confident.
How does Ripley Court assess children for entry?
The assessment is tailored to each child’s age and year of entry and may include time in the Nursery or classroom, informal activities and age-appropriate assessments. We consider the whole child, including their learning, confidence, communication and readiness, to ensure that Ripley Court is the right environment for them and that we can support them to thrive.
Do children need to prepare for the admissions assessment?
There is no need for preparation. For children joining Year 2 and above, the visit includes some short, age-appropriate standardised activities as a routine and supportive part of our admissions process. These are not formal examinations. We want children to feel at ease, be themselves and give us an understanding of their individual strengths and needs. Our aim is for the experience to feel like a positive introduction to Ripley Court rather than a stressful test.
Do you offer taster days or visits for prospective pupils?
Yes. Once registered, children are invited to join us for a relaxed and enjoyable Taster Session. This gives them the opportunity to experience daily life at Ripley Court, meet our children and teachers and begin to feel at home, while allowing us to get to know their individual strengths, interests and needs.
Reception: Children join us for a morning and can be collected after lunch at 1pm.
Nursery: Children and their parents are invited to a ‘Stay and Play’ session, offering a fun and informal introduction to Nursery life.
Do you require school reports or a reference from my child's current school?
Yes, we will request information from a child’s current school to help us understand their academic progress, strengths and wider development.
When will I know if my child has been offered a place?
Our Admissions Team will explain the next steps and expected timescale following your child’s visit. We will let you know the outcome as soon as possible.
How do I accept a place at Ripley Court School?
Once a place has been offered, our Admissions team will provide all the information you need to accept the place and complete the joining process.
From what age can my child join Ripley Court Nursery?
Ripley Court is a co-educational Nursery and Prep School for children aged 2¾ to 11 years. Children can join our Nursery in the term in which they turn 3, giving them a nurturing start within the Ripley Court community. Our Nursery forms an integral part of the wider school, helping children settle into school life and build strong foundations for their learning and development.
Do you offer flexible Nursery sessions?
Yes. In our Nursery, we provide flexible session options to suit your family’s needs. As children grow in confidence, and subject to availability, these sessions can be increased to full-time.
Can my child join Nursery during the school year?
Yes, please contact our Admissions team to discuss availability and your preferred start date.
Does my child need to be potty trained before starting Nursery?
No. Children do not need to be fully potty trained before joining our Nursery. We understand that every child develops at their own pace, and our caring team will work closely with you to support your child as they become more independent with toileting.
Can my child sleep or have a nap at Nursery?
Yes. We recognise that younger children may still need a rest during the day. We provide a calm and comfortable environment where children can have a nap or quiet rest when needed, helping them feel happy, settled and ready to enjoy the rest of their day.
Do you accept Tax-Free Childcare
Yes, Tax-Free Childcare payments can be used towards Nursery fees. Once a child moves beyond Nursery, they may be used towards eligible after-school care and holiday clubs, but not school tuition fees.
Do you accept the 15-hour Universal Entitlement?
Yes, we accept the 15-hour Universal Entitlement for three- and four-year-olds, but not the 30-hour entitlement. Funded hours are offered during afternoon sessions, Monday to Friday in term time. Further information is available on our Fees page.
How does my child transition from Nursery into Reception?
Our Nursery is an integral part of the wider Ripley Court community, so children become familiar with the school, its routines, staff and older pupils from an early age. This provides a natural foundation for the transition into Reception and Little Court. To support both current Nursery children and new Reception joiners, we hold termly Reception Stay and Play sessions. These offer a relaxed opportunity for children to explore the Reception setting, meet their teachers and classmates and for families to get to know one another, helping everyone feel happy and settled before the school year begins.
What are the school fees at Ripley Court?
Our fees vary according to year group and Nursery attendance pattern. Current fees are published on our Fees page, together with information about what is included.
What is included in the school fees?
Our fees cover the core school day and, from Reception upwards, VAT is included in the published fees. For the most up-to-date information about inclusions and additional charges, please see our Fees page.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, Ripley Court offers a limited number of scholarships in Academic, Sport, Art, and Music. These are typically awarded from Year 5 onwards, when children’s individual talents and interests become more apparent.
For new joiners, scholarships are usually offered after one or two terms, once we have had the opportunity to observe and assess their abilities. Scholarships are generally a modest fee reduction and serve as a mark of recognition for exceptional achievement or talent in one or more areas.
For further details, please contact our Head of Admissions.
Do you offer bursaries?
Yes, we offer a limited number of means-tested bursaries to help support families with school fees. Awards are considered by the Bursar, Headmaster and Governors, based on individual circumstances and the funding available. The level of support awarded varies accordingly. Please contact us if you would like further information.
Does Ripley Court offer school transport?
Yes. School transport serves a number of nearby communities, helping families access the school from the surrounding area. Please see our transport page for details.
Do you offer wraparound care and after-school provision?
Yes. Our wraparound care provides flexible breakfast and after-school provision from 7.30am to 6.00pm, giving families continuity and reassurance throughout the day.
How does Ripley Court support children with additional learning or pastoral needs?
We take time to understand every child as an individual and provide a strong network of academic, pastoral and emotional support. Small class sizes, close relationships with staff and dedicated ELSA specialists help ensure children are known, supported and encouraged to thrive.
