Enabling every child to discover their own passions and to flourish.

At Ripley we believe that a rounded education encompasses much more than the learning which takes place in formal, timetabled lessons. We believe that during their school career, pupils should have the opportunity to explore a wide range of co-curricular activities to complement their academic studies.

Ripley has a long and successful tradition of sporting excellence, with a large number of pupils playing and competing at local and national levels in a variety of sports. Team sports are a large part of this, with, under normal circumstances, many fixtures taking part each week.

Music  is also a significant strength of the school, with ensembles encompassing a broad spectrum of music to suit all tastes; in 2017 we were named ‘Music Department of the year’ in the annual Music Teacher awards, and pupils perform in an impressive number of settings each year.

Co-curricular activities are also held across many different fields, from Farm club on our working farm  to termly Science Spectaculars or Drama productions, there is something for everyone to discover their talents and interests.

Each year the school comes together to stage a musical, with input from several departments working together. Enrichment activities in the Sixth Form are extensive and include a range of vocational options to prepare pupils for their chosen career paths; click here to see what is on offer in Sixth Form enrichment.

Educational visits are a big part of life at Ripley, from playing Hockey in Holland to singing in Cologne Cathedral, from visiting the Houses of Parliament to seeing a West-end show; the opportunities afforded to our pupils are things they will remember for life. Exchanges and visits abroad provide cultural experiences which will help our pupils to become aware of the world beyond their day-to-day frame of reference, something we look forward to returning to in the future.

Our vision is extremely clear in highlighting our desire to develop the ‘academic, spiritual, aesthetic and physical potential of each pupil’; the opportunities afforded to pupils through the combination of activities both in and out of the classroom enable them to flourish and to thrive, both here and in their adult lives.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) has been empowering young people for more than 65 years, helping them to develop confidence, resilience, independence and valuable life skills. At Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy, we are proud to offer students the opportunity to take part in this nationally recognised programme, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones, discover new interests and make a positive contribution to their communities.

Through their DofE journey, students gain experiences that support their personal development, build lasting friendships and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.

The DofE Journey

The DofE programme consists of three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level offers progressively greater challenges and opportunities, requiring an increased level of commitment and perseverance.

At Ripley St Thomas, students typically begin their DofE journey by completing the Bronze Award. We currently offer both Bronze and Gold, enabling students to continue developing their skills and experiences beyond Bronze level. Although we do not currently offer the Silver Award, students who successfully complete Bronze may have the opportunity to progress directly to Gold, taking on new challenges and achieving further personal milestones.

When Can I Apply?

Students are invited to apply for the Bronze Award in Year 9 and the Gold Award in Year 12.

Each year, we hold a parent and student information evening during the autumn term to provide an overview of the programme, including its requirements, expectations, benefits and key dates.

Following this event, students who wish to take part will be invited to submit an expression of interest. Places are allocated subject to availability and are offered to students who demonstrate the academy’s expectations in relation to attendance, behaviour and commitment.

Further details regarding programme costs, training sessions and expedition arrangements will be shared with families as part of the application process.

Why Take Part?

Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provides students with the opportunity to:

• Develop confidence, resilience and independence.
• Learn new skills and pursue personal interests.
• Contribute positively to their local community through volunteering.
• Build teamwork and leadership skills.
• Take part in challenging and rewarding expeditions.
• Strengthen applications for further education, apprenticeships and future employment.

Clubs and Societies: Autumn 2026