Welcoming Year 7 and Year 12 Cohorts

On Tuesday 2nd September 2025, we welcomed our new Year 7 and Year 12 cohorts to Ripley St Thomas and The Sixth Form!

For Year 7, the sun was shining and they began their day in the school Chapel with worship led by our Chaplain, Michael.  Unpacking the Mark 4 passage about Jesus calming the storm and reflecting on some of his own memories of starting secondary school, Michael sought to encourage the year group that they may be reassured of God’s love and presence with them, just like Jesus was with the disciples in the boat, was not afraid and was able to calm the storm.  Part of the closing prayer offered the reflection, “thank you God that no matter how we are feeling, we can look to you and trust in you, because of the deep love you showed us through your son Jesus Christ”.

Following the service, Year 7 pupils were introduced to their new form tutors and the peers they will see each morning in form time for the next five years. Each form group then spent the day together having their Year 7 photographs taken, touring the school, and getting to know one another

For Year 12, it was an amusing introduction to the Sixth Form with some humorous team building activities. From toilet roll and bin bag couture to spaghetti and marshmallow architecture, it was wonderful to see our pupils wholeheartedly embracing the positive, inclusive sense community that we continually strive to foster.

Another highlight of the day, especially for our pupils new to Ripley, was the opportunity to tour the farm and getting to meet our much-loved animals.

We wish you all a fantastic start of the year and memorable journey at Ripley!