RHS has been shortlisted for the Co-Educational School of the Year Award in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2022!
The award recognises schools who offer an outstandingly rich experience for their students; judges were looking for stories of success which demonstrate how the collective student experience has been enriched to the benefit of pupils and the school.
Our submission included evidence of our recent ISI Inspection in 2021, which awarded RHS the highest possible grading of 'Excellent' in all areas. Comments from inspectors included:
“Pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent; they develop intellectual
curiosity and academic confidence.”
“The excellent range of extra-curricular activities is a major factor in
pupils’ enjoyment of school.”
“Pupils are excellent communicators, fluent and poised.”
Our enormous array of co-curricular experiences on campus was also commended How many other schools can boast a sailing academy and a current Youth World Champion Sailor (Seb Kempe) amongst its pupil body? And then there is our climbing wall, one of the biggest in East Anglia. Or perhaps your interest is music? The organ in our chapel is second in size only to that of Windsor Castle!
For those whose idea of the perfect sport is swimming, our indoor pool is just one metre short of the Olympic specification and we have our own 9 hole golf course on site, overlooking the River Stour. Our students are inspired to pursue their interests and talents, reach their ambitions and develop essential life skills so they can succeed in their own way.
Our Junior House (Blake House) is a particular feature of our success, providing boys and girls with a nurturing and all-important stepping stone from primary to senior school. It is a real home-from-home that supports and encourages. With pupils coming from a wide variety of different primary and prep schools from around the UK and overseas, it provides the perfect environment to start senior school life, where lasting friendships are made and a sense of belonging is developed.
Likewise, our co-educational Year 13 house, Nelson, is also a successful environment where our pupils prepare for adult life. They receive greater responsibility, whilst benefitting from guidance and support from our experienced duty staff. They are encouraged to be more independent, with central common room areas, kitchens, and laundry room, supported by studies in subjects including managing personal finances, healthy eating on a budget and study techniques for the 21st century.
Our alumni are also testament to our success as a boarding school - a 4-time paralympic sailor, British athletes, actors, tech entrepreneurs, scientists not to mention members of the armed forces. Our recent podcast series #SitDownWithRHS showcases the variety of successful pathways our pupils have navigated, the foundations of which were embedded whilst at RHS.