“Outstanding in every aspect”

In December 2022, Ofsted inspected Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy and rated the school “Outstanding”.

This inspection was carried out by two of Her Majesty’s Inspectors and three additional inspectors.

As part of this graded inspection, inspectors carried out deep dives in the following subjects: art and design, English, history, mathematics, modern foreign languages and science. For each deep dive, inspectors met with curriculum leaders, visited some lessons, spoke with pupils, students and teachers. They looked at samples of pupils’ and students’ work. Inspectors also reviewed aspects of the curriculums in other subjects. They also met with the subject leaders in these subjects.

• Inspectors met with the principal, vice principals and other senior leaders.
• The lead inspector met with representatives of the board of trustees and the local governing board. The lead inspector also spoke with a representative of the local authority and the diocese.
•  Inspectors considered the responses to Ofsted Parent View, including the freetext responses. Inspectors also considered the responses to Ofsted’s staff and pupil surveys.
• Inspectors checked on leaders’ safeguarding procedures, including the recruitment checks made on staff and governors. Inspectors met with leaders, those responsible for governance, staff, pupils and students to discuss the wider aspects of safeguarding. Inspectors also scrutinised a range of documentation pertaining to safeguarding.
•  Inspectors observed pupils’ and students’ behaviour around school, at breaktimes and at lunchtimes. They spoke with them about behaviour and bullying.

Ripley St Thomas  CE Academy Ofsted Report December 2022

In 2024, the SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report from the Church of England echoed the positive findings of the ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report.

In her report, the Inspector, Ruth Houston, wrote:
“Ripley’s deeply known and loved Christian vision is driving the actions of members of the school community at all levels. Pupils and staff recognise the deep value that it adds to their lives and draw from it in challenging times.

• The exceptional religious education (RE) curriculum is deep, rich and challenging. Sixth Form core RE is a particular strength. The ability to provide a safe space for pupils to explore and grapple with challenging religious and philosophical issues is notable.
• There is a tangible culture of care and support at Ripley. The priority given to inclusion and tailored support and interventions are a direct outworking of the Christian vision.
• The underpinning value of service enriches pupils’ lives with meaningful opportunities for social action throughout their time at school
• The shared vision of Ripley and The Bay Learning Trust ensures that together the impact is compelling, one enhances the other
• The co-curricular offer is breathtaking. Clubs and activities change regularly and are monitored to ensure the widest possible range of pupils are taking part
• There is an expansive understanding of spirituality in place. This allows those with a strong personal faith or none, to explore and understand their own spirituality with integrity.”