Ratcliffe College is a fully co-educational day and boarding Catholic school, taking day and boarding pupils from the age of 10 to 18.
The school was founded in 1847 by Rosiminian priests. In 1996 the first 'lay' Head was appointed to Ratcliffe College and its preparatory school, Grace Dien Manor, ending a 150 year tradition of 'Priest Headmasters' and heralding an exciting new era in the school's development. Since those days it has developed and expanded considerably. Lay staff have joined the priests and, with a school roll of 490 in 1996, the staff-pupil ratio is 1:10. Consequently, every boy and girl receives the greatest individual attention in order to develop high standards in academic subjects, in personal relationships, in sports and in other school activities.
The College is set in its own grounds of over 100 acres of rural Leicestershire on the A46 within easy access of not only Leicester and Nottingham, but also the East Midlands Airport. The original buildings, designed by Pugin, have been greatly extended and improved to provide up to date facilities without destroying their beauty. The school offers a variety of sports, including rugby, hockey, cricket, netball and athletics, tennis and rowing. It has one of the best Design/Technology Centres in the country, allowing pupils to study all aspects of design, electronics, textiles, ceramics and the history of art, as well as the more traditional art forms. 'The Newman' is a purpose-built Junior School for pupils in Years 6, 7 and 8. This facility provides younger pupils with the opportunity of working in a small self-contained unit, making easier the transition to a larger school.
Entry is at 10+, 11+, 12+, 13+, 14+ and Sixth Form; a range of scholarships and exhibitions is offered annually and Assisted Places are also available. Discounts on fees are offered to siblings and members of HM Forces.
