Ripley Court School, Surrey - is it a good school?

[AAKCR]

Hi, we are thinking of sending our daughter to Ripley Court School. Does anyone have any experiences? Looks great from what I have seen.

I know of a few children who have gone to the school and they seem to be very happy with it. Personally I think there are better academic schools around but I am not sure where you are based or if you are looking for academics/sport/art/music?

I think we really want somewhere that offers a broad wide ranging experience. Very keen to let a child be a child for the first few years of school and figure out what they like be it sports, arts, music studies etc. We’re based in Cobham

I think you should also look at Rowan in Claygate which is very easy to get to from Cobham. It is an excellent school - don't be put off by the small campus. It really is excellent in every way and my DD (and all her friends) have all been very very happy there.

Mine adores ACS Cobham. He is 5. He swims once a week, does forest school, has specialist teachers for music, art, PE and languages.

I agree with @Prufrockspeach that you always hear good reports about Rowan.

My kids go to Ripley Court, and we started in September this year. I am so pleased with the Nursery - my little one has really thrived in the few months since he has been there. I love the fact he has swimming lessons, French, loads of outdoor play and his learning is really coming on too, much more than I had banked on. Having used two other nurseries with previous children this one is just excellent, I cannot recommend it enough.

Little Court (for the infants) has the same kind of feel, it is vey much a family school with small classes and lots of mixing across the years. All the children know each other well which I like. The outdoor learning and space is brilliant too. Both children are looked after and happy. I have been impressed with the one to one offered and her reading has just blossomed. The Head of Little Court is brilliant. I think with any school you need to see it for yourself to really get a feel - good luck! such a touch choice!

My kids have been at Ripley court since 2012 and I say with full confidence that Ripley court is the best school in locality if a parent is looking for holistic growth. It will support academic children ,but others don't have to confirm to this. There is a good sporting culture and art facilities as well. Those who excel.in these will be supported as well as pushed to achieve more.

The overall feel of the school is relaxed but disciplined. Children are happy and look forward to attending school.

During the Covid crisis it supported not only children of key workers from Ripleycourt but also of other schools e.g. Hoe Bridge. Important to note Hoe Bridge didn't provide this support.

Overall the school has struck a good balance in almost every field. I hope this continue in future as well.

During the Covid crisis it supported not only children of key workers from Ripleycourt but also of other schools e.g. Hoe Bridge. Important to note Hoe Bridge didn't provide this support.

I wouldn't use this as a negative against Hoe Bridge. Lots of private schools have done this - joined together and shared cost simultaneously keeping more staff members safe by reducing the number of teachers, support staff, caretakers, caterers etc etc who need to be in school per site down. Great that Ripley Court is hosting, but no negative on other schools who joined with them.

On the original question, I hear lots of great things about Ripley Court. Lots of other great schools nearby too - Rowan as mentioned, Feltonfleet, Danes Hill, Glenesk, Milbourne Lodge, Claremont Fan (no 11+ as all through) or the Guildford ones.

Hi, we’re considering moving our son to Ripley Court, I’d love to hear about what the home learning provision was like and also how the new head has settled? We’re looking for a friendly happy school but that will also stretch and encourage him. Son also loves sport so looking for lots of opportunity there too. Any thoughts appreciated!

@BoyMum321 did you end up choosing Ripley Court? We are considering it for our 5 and 7 year old boys this coming September. My husband prefers Cranmore but I’m not convinced and got a better feel from Ripley.

Yes and he absolutely loves it! He’s settled really well and we’re really pleased.
I’ve PM’d you x

Hi - did your sons end up going to Reeds? I know it’s not a feeder as such but is it linked if you want your son to continue? Thanks!

Well, if your child has any degree of neurodiversity at all, do not even consider Ripley Court. Their track record is diabolical and their policy is historic. They prefer to get rid of rather than support those kids. Might explain why a third of Year 3 aren’t coming back next term!!

I don't think that a one-size-fits-all school exists. What makes a school perfect for your neighbour's child doesn't necessarily make it the right choice for yours. It depends on your family's circumstances and your child's strengths and needs.

My children are in Senior School already, but I have heard fantastic reviews about Ripley Court School, the breadth of their academic provision, holistic offering and nurturing environment which supports children to achieve more.
I advise that if you like the ethos and its offering, go and see it yourself; it may be just what you are looking for. I wish you all the best.

If you are considering Ripley Court School - don’t bother.
I hate to say it as I was once very loyal to the school but there are way better, more professional prep schools in the area.
My children were there for years and it was very nurturing but I chose to take them out after seeing a steady decline over the years and now the numbers are really low and standards of behaviour are poor.

The whole school is run on nepotism and favouritism.

The Head looks good on the marketing material but lacks leadership and barely knows the children’s names it’s embarrassing.
So many good teachers left and went elsewhere so now there are only a few good ones left. The others have been there years and probably can’t get a job anywhere else.

It isn’t “sport for all” - you’re either in the A’s and get some mediocre level of coaching with the rest of the children being left to be taught by some 18 year old gap student.

They are so desperate to get the numbers up that they are willing to take anybody and the majority of the school now have additional needs but only one SENCO!

All of these concerns have been raised in the past by various parents but nothing is taken seriously.

Sadly the school is woefully under resourced in the most important area - staff!

My children absolutely love Ripley Court School. They have been there since nursery and have not only flourished in all areas but have been allowed to be themselves; to be children.

The school has such a kind, caring atmosphere about it, which you feel as soon as you walk in and I genuinely think they know every child. I can give so many examples of when the teachers have gone out of their way to support my children, not just academically, but emotionally too. I totally disagree with the last comment. The staff at Ripley Court are so dedicated and very professional.

My child does have a mild special need, which I don't see as a problem as previous post suggest, but the school supports them incredibly well, with great care and ensuring they reach their potential. They are now aiming for one of the top secondary schools in the area.

I am more than happy with Ripley Court. Happy rounded polite children with a thirst for knowledge; what more could you ask for?

I am sorry to hear that you feel you have not had the best experience. I have had a very different experience for my children and think that the staff at Ripley Court are excellent and dedicated to providing the best possible education for the children – if you look at their social media, you will be able to see what a busy school it is. They always go the extra mile to ensure that the children receive the support they need to excel academically and personally. Additionally, this year, the 11+ results have been incredible! I know that the Year 6 pupils have secured places in some of the top schools in the area.

I understand that everyone’s experience can be different, but I genuinely believe that Ripley Court School is a fantastic place for children to learn and grow.

If you are looking for a Prep School in the area, I would encourage you to speak to other parents about Ripley Court and give the school a chance.
As a family, we couldn't be happier!

That’s great to hear the previous positive comments and I’m glad that you have had a difference experience.

My children were also there for years and from nursery too. I was just voicing my opinion that from my experience it has gone downhill rapidly.
Yes, there are some great teachers but I feel they are in the minority and as for social media - it’s not always the reality!!
I still know people at the school so, for example, science week posted on instagram wasn’t actually a week it was just two days of a couple of workshops and nothing compared to what has been done in previous years!

Yes, Year 6 did well but I’m sure the majority of the children had a fortune spent on extra tutoring outside of school.

Sadly so many good children have left the school over the last few years. I wonder what state it would have been in if Westward School hadn’t closed and Ripley managed to boost its numbers with some of their ex pupils.

At the end of the day, you have to pick a school that suits your child but I think it’s useful to have opinions, good or bad, from parents to help you make an informed decision or at least help you ask relevant questions when looking around.

As a parent whose children are actually at Ripley Court currently, I would disagree with the last contributor. Both my daughters joined in nursery and we've had a great experience which has only improved as they've progressed up the school. Walking around the school, it's immediately apparent how happy the children are and we've met some lovely families / have also made some great lifelong friends. Neither of our girls have additional needs, and neither do the majority of the children in either of their year groups; they are both thriving and ahead of where they should be academically. It's a lovely nurturing environment and we're very pleased we made the decision to send them to Ripley.

You can always tell a Ripley court child and they are always delightful. The school clearly allows children to develop their own personalities and doesn’t force a “ corporate “ look on them.

However Rowan is also brilliant and a bit more academic

Hi there, I know this is an old thread, but we’re considering Ripley Court for our DS who has suspected ADHD and reading delay (but not dyslexia). Would you be happy to share details of the ways in which you experienced Ripley Court to be lacking in their SEN provision? Many thanks!

Happy to. Is there a private to message on here?

Many thanks- yes, if you press the 3 dots at the top right of my post you can select to PM me.