Dear Parents & Carers

As we reach the end of what is, in calendar weeks, the longest half term of the academic year, it is striking just how much has been packed into the opening weeks of school life. Without being able to mention everything, it has been a pleasure to see our new Year 7 and Year 12 students settling so successfully into the School, supported by Form Tutors, Subject Teachers, Heads of Year and the many induction activities that have taken place since September. Yesterday's Year 7 Meet the Tutor evening was well attended and provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the confidence, independence and sense of belonging that our newest students have developed in such a short period of time. Similarly, our  Year 13 Student Leadership Team have made an outstanding start to their roles and have already played a significant part in supporting the day-to-day life of the School and speaking eloquently at our open evening and other events. 

For students in Years 11 and 13, this half term has also represented an important stage in their examination journey, accounting for almost a quarter of their teaching weeks before their summer examinations. This is not intended to cause alarm; indeed, time remains very much on our side. Rather, it serves as a useful reminder that success at GCSE and A Level is built through consistent effort over time. Shortly after half term, our Year 11 students will begin their mock examinations, and we wish them every success as they prepare for this important milestone. 

Recent weeks have provided many opportunities to celebrate what it means to be part of the Ribston community. Culture and Community Day remains a pivotal event in our school calendar. Students from across the school proudly wore cultural dress and came together to celebrate the diversity that enriches our community. The day culminated in a vibrant runway showcase, while Year 7 and Year 12 students participated in our annual Unity Day activities. Through a wide range of events and discussions, students explored the idea that while we represent many cultures, backgrounds and experiences, we are united as one community. 

          

Yesterday's 'Express Yourself'– Sustainable Fashion Show was another highlight of the term and a wonderful celebration of creativity, sustainability and community. The event attracted the highest number of entrants in its history, with designers and models from Year 7 through to Year 13 taking part. Students demonstrated remarkable creativity in reusing and repurposing materials to create innovative and imaginative designs, with many developing their entries independently beyond the classroom. Alongside the catwalk, visitors enjoyed artwork from our Art Competition and Exhibition, impressive recycled 3D installations created by students, and canapés prepared by our Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition students. We were also delighted to welcome students from Horsley Primary School, strengthening our links with the wider community. The evening perfectly showcased the creativity, ambition and commitment of our students and was a fitting celebration of the arts at Ribston. Look out for photos and highlights from this fantastic event on our social media pages over the coming weeks.

 

Careers Fair

A huge thank you to all the professionals, businesses and organisations who joined us for our Careers Fair last week.

Students had the opportunity to meet representatives from a wide range of industries, explore different career pathways, and learn more about the options available after school and sixth form. From apprenticeships and university routes to careers in STEM, healthcare, business and many other sectors, there was plenty of inspiration on offer.

The event provided valuable insight into the world of work and encouraged students to think about their future aspirations.

    

 

Call for Participants – AI and Young People AI Usage Survey 

Computing at school are looking for parents and guardians and students age 11-18 to take part in a user study and share their experiences and perspectives through a short online survey. The survey takes approx. 15 minutes to complete and all eligible participants will be entered into a prize draw to win a £10 National Book Token. 

You can find more information about our study and take the surveys below: 

Parent/guardian survey: https://kidalign.fillout.com/t/epHhPS9zFpus.   

For children wishing to participate, parents and guardians should first read and complete the information and parental consent form here: https://forms.gle/H4TAd6SLbFmN4How6. Once completed, you will be provided the children survey link.  

We hope you all have a lovely half term break, and we look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday 3rd November 2026.

Kind regards

Mrs C Pearson, Deputy Headteacher

 

Dear Parents/Carers 

It has been another busy few weeks at Ribston Hall, with students continuing to embrace a wide range of opportunities both in and beyond the classroom. 

Our Year 7 students have recently returned from an unforgettable residential experience, filled with new challenges, exciting activities and the chance to form new friendships as they begin their journey at Ribston. 

    

Meanwhile, our Year 12 students enjoyed their induction residential at Skern Lodge in North Devon. During the trip, students participated in a variety of land and water-based activities, helping to develop their confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership skills, while also building new friendships and strengthening our Sixth Form community. 

    

As I write this, the whole school is taking part in our Culture & CommUNITY Day, celebrating the diversity of our school community and providing students with valuable opportunities to learn about different cultures, perspectives and experiences. 

Next week promises to be just as busy. On Tuesday, we will be hosting our annual Careers Fair, giving students in Years 9 – 13 the opportunity to speak with employers, training providers and higher education representatives about future pathways and aspirations. 

On Thursday 15th October, we will be welcoming families to our Whole School Open Morning and Open Evening. If your child has been asked to support a subject area during the event, you will have received a link to a parental consent form. Please complete this as soon as possible if you have not already done so. 

For the Open Evening, parents collecting students at 8.00pm should enter the school site via the main entrance and follow the one-way traffic system. Students should be collected from outside Parrish, with vehicles exiting via the Calton Primary School gates. Staff will be on hand throughout the evening to help direct traffic and ensure the process runs smoothly. We kindly ask that parents do not arrive before 8.00pm. 

Finally, a reminder to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with all the exciting events, achievements and opportunities taking place across the school. 

Careers Fair 

On Tuesday 13th October, our annual careers fair will take place in school. We’re expecting representatives from various universities (including Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Gloucestershire), all the Further Education (FE) Colleges in Gloucestershire and a wide range of employers from aerospace, engineering, legal, financial services plus other sectors. 

 The main aim of the event is to make our students aware of potential career pathways available to them. Students in years 9 to 13 have been allocated a time slot during the day when they can wander round the stands and talk to exhibitors. 

Spotlight on Safeguarding 

Please find attached October's edition of 'Spotlight on Safeguarding' which focuses on Artificial Intelligence.  

DofE Sign Up

Just a reminder that DofE deposits can now be paid via Arbor. If your child would like to take part, please ensure that the deposit is paid by Friday 16th October, which is the closing date for applications.

We will be ordering participant packs shortly after this date, so deposits must be received by the deadline to secure a place. Thank you for your support.

 Year 9 – Bronze Award

Year 10- Silver Award

Year 12 – Gold Award

Youth Support Services Agreement 

This information relates to the providing of information to providers of youth support services and the right to opt out. 
 
Once your child is aged 13 or over, we are required by law to pass on certain information to providers of youth support services in your area. This is the local authority support service for young people aged 13 to 19 in England. We must provide both the child’s and parent’s name(s) and address, and any further information relevant to the support services’ role. However, if the child is over 16, the child (or the parent(s)) can ask that no information beyond names, address and your date of birth be passed to the support service.  Please see below on how to opt-out of this arrangement. 
 
For more information about young peoples’ services, please go to the Gov.UK website: www.gov.uk/topic/schools-colleges-childrens-services/support-for-children-young-people or the Gloucestershire Youth Support Team: https://youthsupportteam.co.uk/ 
 
The school will not give information about you to anyone outside of the school without your consent unless the law requires us to.  The school is required by law to pass some information about you to the Local Authority and the Department for Education (DfE). If you wish to opt-out of this arrangement, please inform the Data Manager by E-mailing jl@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk 

School Photographs 

If you placed an order for school photographs, we have now received them in school. If you have not yet received your order, please check your child's school bag or ask them to speak to their tutor.

Important Upcoming Calendar Dates 

Please check the calendar on our website for important events that are happening throughout the year: Ribston Hall High School - Calendar.

Here are some up-coming dates for your diaries:

• Thursday 22nd October – Year 7 Meet the Tutors Evening – 3.30pm - 4.30pm 
• Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October – HALF TERM 
• Monday 2nd November – INSET DAY (Staff only in school) 
• Tuesday 3rd November – All students return to school  

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. 

Mrs C Pearson

Deputy Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers

It has been another busy week at Ribston, and our Year 7 students have enjoyed their Inspire Residential at Croft Farm. I am sure they will return home tired but full of stories of new friendships, adventures and memories made together. 

Next week, it is the turn of our Year 12 students, who will be heading to Devon for their residential. We hope they have a fantastic few days and enjoy the opportunity to spend time together as they settle into Sixth Form life. 

Information Evening Feedback 

Thank you to everyone who attended one of our Information Evenings over the past few weeks. We would really value your feedback to help us understand what was useful and how we can continue to improve these evenings for parents and carers. 

Please take a few minutes to complete our short anonymous questionnaire. We would also welcome feedback if you were unable to attend, as this will help us understand any barriers to attendance and how we might make the information more accessible in future. 

Parent Information Evenings Feedback Survey – Fill in form 

School Photographs 

Just a reminder that school photographs can still be ordered using the order slip your child should have brought home following the photography session on Thursday 10th September. If you no longer have the order slip, please contact the school and we will be happy to provide a replacement copy. 

Launch of DofE Gold, Silver & Bronze Awards 

This week saw the launch of our DofE programme for Years 9, 10 and 12. 

We are very excited to get as many students signed up as possible and to support you as you begin your DofE adventure. The deadline for paying deposits is Friday 16th October, and deposits can now be made via Arbor. 

If you would like to find out more about the award or how to sign up, please refer to the information sent home or contact the school by emailing dofe@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk 

We look forward to welcoming another fantastic group of DofE participants this year. 

Mrs C Pearson, Deputy Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers, 

It has been a busy and positive start to the new academic year, with students already making the most of the opportunities available both in and beyond the classroom. We have particularly enjoyed welcoming our new students and families into the Ribston community.

The first few weeks bring a great deal that is new, and we are proud of the confidence and independence our students are already showing. Please continue to encourage your child to ask questions, seek help when they need it and make the most of the support available to them.

Information Evenings

Our final two Information Evenings take place next week in the school hall from 5.30pm - 6.30pm:

• Year 10 – Monday 21st September: This will provide important information about the start of GCSE courses, work experience, target grades and reporting.
• Year 13 – Thursday 24th September: This will focus on the important next steps beyond Ribston, including UCAS and university applications, degree apprenticeships, and how parents and carers can support students through their final year at school.

If the Information Evening for your child’s year group has already taken place, you should have received a copy of the presentation by email. Please take a few minutes to complete our short anonymous questionnaire, even if you were unable to attend. Your feedback is an important part of our parent's voice and will help us to understand what works well and how we can improve these evenings further: Parent Information Evenings Feedback Survey.

Sports Awards evening

A reminder that our Sports Awards Evening, which was postponed at the end of last term due to the extreme heat, will now take place in the Main Hall on Monday 28th September at 5.45pm. The evening is open to any student and their family who has represented the school in sport or taken part in a sports leadership event, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements.

School contact emails

The Ribston Hall Association (RHA) is currently receiving a number of emails intended for the school Reception. To help enquiries reach the right person as quickly as possible, please use the following addresses:

• School Reception: rhhs@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• RHA: RHA@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk

Heads of Year:

• Year 7: Head7@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• Year 8: Head8@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• Year 9: Head9@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• Year 10: Head10@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• Year 11: Head11@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• Sixth Form: Sixthform@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk

RHA Quiz Night

The RHA will be holding its Quiz Night on Friday 9th October in the school hall. Doors open at 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets- £5.00 Adults/ £1 under 18's. Ploughman's is available to order- £5.00 per plate. A bar will also be available.

This is always a very popular event, so we would recommend booking early to avoid missing out.

Tickets available via the following link: Products | Ribston Hall Association.

Year 7 Croft Farm Residential

Our Year 7 students are heading to Croft Farm next week for their first Ribston residential. We hope they have a fantastic time and enjoy the opportunity to spend time together outside the classroom as they continue to settle into life at Ribston.

Further information about the trip, including the kit list, can be found in the Year 7 Parent Information presentation sent at the end of the first week of term.

Year 7 CAT Testing

The Year 7 CAT tests originally planned for Tuesday 22nd September will now take place on Tuesday 6th October.

Safeguarding at Ribston

Finally, further to our Safeguarding Spotlight shared on our Social Media and in last week's communications, in assemblies this week, Mrs Hay, Deputy Headteacher Inclusion and our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), reminded students about safeguarding and the support available to them in school. She spoke about healthy relationships, recognising when something does not feel right, and the importance of speaking to a trusted adult if they are worried about themselves or someone else.

Mrs Hay leads our safeguarding team and is supported by our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, Mrs Hill, Mrs Cresswell, Ms Erro and Mrs Brewster. Students can speak to any member of the safeguarding team, but we also remind them that they can approach any trusted member of staff if they need help or are concerned about something.

We would also encourage parents and carers to contact the school if you have a concern about your child’s safety or wellbeing, or if there is something happening outside school that you feel we need to be aware of. Sharing information with us early helps us to ensure that the right support is in place.

Have a great weekend.

Mrs C Pearson, Deputy Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome back to the beginning of what promises to be another exciting year at Ribston, we have much to celebrate already. Over the summer, our GCSE and A Level students achieved an outstanding set of results.  Nearly 50% of A Levels were awarded the top grades of A*-B with more than 54% of GCSE entries awarded grades 9-7 and we are proud to say the strongest Attainment 8 score for the school since the introduction of this measure 12 years ago. These achievements reflect the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our families. 

This follows the very positive outcome from our recent Ofsted inspection, where the majority of areas were judged to meet the criteria for the Strong Standard. This recognition reflects the continued progress of school development since the previous inspection and our collective commitment to providing an ambitious, high-quality education for every student. 

Demand for Ribston continues to grow. We received more first preference applications for Year 7 than ever before, resulting in a significant waiting list of qualified students seeking a place at the school. Our Sixth Form has also enjoyed record interest, with strong competition for places.  Students are already considering their plans for our ambitious Ribston Baccalaureate enrichment opportunities and making good use of our new Sixth Form Café which opened last year. 

As our students move on to the next stage of their education and careers, we are equally proud of their destinations. This year, more and more students have secured places at Russell Group universities, Oxbridge and highly competitive degree apprenticeships in fields including nuclear chemistry, engineering and healthcare. 

These successes reflect the strength of our school community and provide an excellent foundation for the year ahead. We look forward to sharing further achievements, opportunities and developments with you as the term progresses. Together, we continue to be ambitious for every student and proud to be Ribston. 

Information Evenings 

It has been great to welcome new Year 7 and Year 12 students this week. As all students begin the next year of their education we run a series of information evenings for parents and carers to deliver key messages and information specific to your child's year group.  These evenings are face-to-face in school and senior staff will be available afterwards to ask any questions you may have. 

The timing for the information evenings are 5:30pm to 6:30pm. 

• Year 7 - This took place on Thursday 3rd September.  Slides have been sent out. 
• Year 8 - Thursday 17th September  
• Year 9 - Monday 7th September 
• Year 10 - Monday 21st September  
• Year 11 - Tuesday 15th September 
• Year 12 - Wednesday 9th September  
• Year 13 - Thursday 24th September  

Safeguarding Spotlight 

Please find the September issue of Safeguarding spotlight below. This edition focusses on Back to school and Online challenges. 

• September Spotlight on Safeguarding Newsletter

School Photographs – Thursday 10^th September 2026

Individual school photos will be taking place on Thursday 10th September.  Students will be required to wear full correct uniform including their blazer.  A programme will be circulated to students on the morning; they will only miss a very small amount of time from lessons to minimise disruption – please ensure that they bring all of their books and equipment for the day. We will also be taking tutor group photos this year for Years 7 & 11.  

Barnes Coaches from Swindon 

The above coach provider has asked us to let you know that they still have some availability on their service from Swindon to Ribston & Crypt Schools. More information can be found on their web page: Swindon Grammar School Transport | Daily School Coaches from Swindon. Their email address is:- cryptribstonbus@gmail.com.

Request from Neighbours

We would like to respectfully remind parents to park responsibly during drop-off and collection times. Please do not block our neighbours' driveways or park on double yellow lines. Your consideration helps us maintain positive relationships with our local community and ensures the safety of all road users. Thank you for your support.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs C Pearson, Deputy Headteacher