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Ratcliffe College, a boarding and day school in Leicestershire, was founded by a local priest, Fr Peter Hutton, in 1845. The circumstances which led to his establishing the school were providential and reflective of the turbulent but fruitful experiences of the 19th-century Catholic Church in England.
Initially unable to make his profession at the Benedictine Abbey of Ampleforth due to concerns that it might upset the anti-Catholic secular authorities, Fr Hutton was sent to teach at Prior Park, a seminary-turned-school which sadly severed ties with the Catholic Church last year. Not keen on the experience, he left and joined the Rosminians. After instructions from his bishop to return to Prior Park, he acquiesced, only to leave again and flee to Italy to stay with the founder of the order, Antonio Rosmini.
After making his vows with the Blessed Rosmini, he was appointed President of the newly established Ratcliffe College and returned to his native Leicestershire.
Today the school is a shining example of “all-through” Catholic education, taking students from ages 3 to 18. Unashamed of its Rosminian tradition, the school encourages students in an active faith life. The Herald spoke to its headmaster, Jonathan Reddin, about his vision for the school and what makes it such a popular choice for Catholic parents.
How long have you been in the role?
I was senior deputy head at Ratcliffe College before I took over in 2017. I’m now in my ninth year as headmaster.
What is your subject and do you still teach?
Following my undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University, I took a PGCE in Physical Education and Geography. I taught both subjects for fifteen years at various independent schools before joining Ratcliffe in 2008. Regrettably, I no longer teach a timetable, but I enjoy supporting the co-curricular programme instead.
What attracted you to the school?
My Catholic faith is important to me, so the opportunity to lead a Catholic school was the motivation to apply for the role of deputy head. I fell in love with the warmth of the school, something I noticed immediately when I visited.
What achievement are you proudest of since joining the school?
The college was recently judged as being an outstanding Catholic school by the Catholic Schools’ Inspectorate. I am especially proud that our Rosminian charism was recognised and celebrated by the inspectorate during their visit and that the very special community that defines us as a Catholic school was so evident in our RS teaching, Catholic life and mission, and collective worship. The students are proud to be Ratcliffians and have a deep affinity with their alma mater. I have no doubt that this is due in no small part to their Catholic formation while students here.
What are the school’s key values?
Ratcliffe College is a Rosminian school, based upon the teachings of our founder, Blessed Antonio Rosmini. Our college motto, Legis Plenitudo Caritas, translates as “love or charity is the fulfilment of God’s Word” and calls us to seek perfection in all we do. On meeting the students and staff, it is apparent that the Rosminian faith is truly lived daily by the college community.
How do you incorporate the Catholic faith into school life?
Our Catholic faith underpins all we do at Ratcliffe. The prayer life of the college is especially prominent. As a staff body, we pray together each morning and lead prayers three times a day with the students. Rosmini’s teachings are also prominent throughout the week during tutor time, assemblies, and daily Mass. All students are called to seek perfection through their academic studies, co-curricular activities, friendships, and helping others most in need. For our sixth-form students, the opportunity to support and assist those with physical and mental disabilities through the HCPT pilgrimage to Lourdes each July is the pinnacle of their formation.
What sets Ratcliffe apart from other schools in the area?
Ratcliffe College is a Catholic and Rosminian HMC co-educational day and boarding school for children aged between three and eighteen years old. There is a nursery, prep school, senior school, and sixth form, but we are one school, one family, united by a beautiful 200-acre campus which boasts outstanding facilities and a deeply committed staff.
What enrichment opportunities are there for students?
Ratcliffe benefits from a wide range of over 100 co-curricular activities each week. Our much-loved “big six” – sport, music, drama, CCF, DofE, and chaplaincy – ensures that all students can explore and develop their God-given talents, whatever they may be, gaining valuable soft skills which are so important to an all-round education.
What are the school’s strengths?
All subjects and co-curricular activities are equally important, and it would be unfair to single out any one area for special praise. As a Catholic school we recognise that it is our responsibility to provide a broad and balanced curriculum which meets the needs of all, supported and nourished by a co-curricular offer that inspires young people to make the most of their gifts. Most importantly, we educate young people to see Christ in others and to treat others with the respect that their innate dignity requires – so that when they leave Ratcliffe they are equipped academically, socially, spiritually, and morally to go out and make a positive difference to the world.
What are the admissions procedures, and are there scholarship or bursary schemes?
There is no better way to experience life at Ratcliffe than seeing it firsthand. Prospective families can meet me, other members of staff, and our students, and be given a tour of our outstanding facilities and beautiful grounds. Private visits and personalised tours can be arranged all year round with our admissions team. We offer a wide range of scholarships to recognise academic, sporting, musical, dramatic, and artistic talent in the senior school. Scholarships are available for those entering Year 7 or Year 12. We also provide bursaries designed to support students from low-income families, which are available for up to 100 per cent of a student’s school fees.
