Rilpey Court Woking

[Pinkladydragon]

Hey everyone,

Me and my husband wanted to find out about Ripley Court School, Woking, Surrey.

In the current school, the pitch was great but the education did not live up to expectations and I don't want to make the same mistake again, especially as our child is in Year 3.

Does anyone have any experience with Ripley Court?

I am concerned about how she will settle in and make friends as it is a new school.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be really helpful.

Try looking at their website. Also tour the school.

I have limited experience with Ripley Court as we moved to a different location but it was a lovely school. Much better than the one I think you are talking about where the pitch was great and they are doing lots of building.

Would be quite keen to hear about the current school as I fear this may be one we have been looking at for reception entry. Would you mind messaging me? We have visited Ripley Court but it is too far from us.

Hi

I have two daughters at Ripley Court (Year 2 and Year 4) - who have both been at the school since Nursery and are very happy.

We have had a really positive experience at Ripley Court - it is a nurturing environment with lots of opportunities for children to have different experiences and pursue their particular areas of interest.

Academically, it has strong results (although it isn't a hot house) and the breadth of the senior schools that children from Ripley Court go to are a testament to this.

It has a lovely community and I personally feel that it has allowed my children to thrive.

I hope that helps but if you have any specific questions I would be more than happy to answer them.

Are you happy to share your current school

Well, a third of Year 3 left at the end of last term which says a lot about the place. Our personal experience has been very disappointing as they are totally incapable of supporting any degree of neurodiversity and would rather isolate and get rid of those kids than help them.

Ahh so sorry it is so hard for find private schools for nerodivergent children. Are you still at RC?

No. We have left. Going into the local primary which actually has fabulous SEN support and completely understands how to support and manage ND kids. As opposed to Ripley who separated them from their classmates making things worse.

sompleased it has worked out for you. We have struggled finding a great state or private school that gives the right support. So worried for our youngest who starts in September. Some say state is better for those who need any support but hard to find these at times

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.

It’s all smiles if you fit their bill. But if you don’t then there is zero SEN support, a sports policy of exclusion rather than everyone plays and minimal supervision. One third of Year 3 left at the end of term to go to schools that actually offer the support they need and deserve.

I’m sorry to hear about your experience; many families with SEN children have found it challenging to find a suitable school.

But hope you find the school that best suits your child's needs.

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!

The last two messages sum the situation up exactly. There should not be ANY parents dissatisfied and when there are MANY citing the same issues then there is clearly a problem. But if you have a child who does what they are told, never steps out of line and is good at sports then all is fine - for you and them. That is an example of privilege and if it doesn’t affect you then you don’t see it or recognise there is a problem. But there most definitely is. A child with even a toe on the spectrum (ASd/ADHD even dyslexia) is abandoned, shunned and quietly moved on.

I would check what the building regulations are on that site cos I think it will be new homes before very long. It’s worth more as that than as a failing school.

Can you advise which schools in the area you / other parents who moved their children in Year 3 have found to be good for SEN children? Specifically with ADHD? We’re looking for our son and struggling to identify a good option. The Raleigh is currently full for his year. Is that where your child ended up?

If your child is ADHD, ASD, or AuADHD or PANS/PANDAS then forget about the private sector. Reset your sights- it’s not what you want but what your child needs. And the state schools are way, way better setup for these kids because they have to be. The private sector doesn’t and so won’t bother. It’s a massive mindset change but it’s so important.