Ryde School with Upper Chine is a coeducational day and boarding school providing education for pupils aged 2 to 18, with a Prep & Senior School. Situated off the South Coast of England, Ryde is a ten-minute Hovercraft ride from Portsmouth. Ryde School was founded in 1921 as a grammar school for boys. Upper Chine was founded as a girls’ school in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight in 1914. The two schools merged in 1994 to form Ryde School with Upper Chine and in 1996 the School acquired the buildings of Bembridge School. As a result of these acquisitions and mergers, the School became fully coeducational. Boarding provision is on the main school site in Ryde in two boarding houses; the beautifully renovated Victorian ‘Millfield’ for pupils to Year 10 and the new purpose-built ‘Centenary’ for Years 11 to Upper Sixth.
Situation and buildings. The School stands in its own grounds of around 17 acres in Ryde with stunning views over the Solent, and is easily accessible from all parts of the Island. It is within walking distance of the terminals which link Ryde to Southsea by hovercraft (10 minutes) or Portsmouth by catamaran (25 minutes) and a number of pupils travel daily from the mainland. In recent years there have been many additions to the School facilities with a new Performing Arts Centre in 2022, modern Art and DT departments, eight science labs fully refurbished, a new Health and Wellbeing Centre, new tennis and netball courts, a new coffee shop for parents, staff and pupils, a new gym and a dedicated Sixth Form Centre. Two newly opened boarding houses and a new Cookery School have recently been added.
Organisation and curriculum. As an IB World, the School aims to provide a world-class education on the Isle of Wight enabling boarders and day pupils to flourish in mind, body and soul, nurturing the character, skills and values to help them make a positive difference and embrace the opportunities of the wider world.
In Years 7 and 8 we run a two-year diploma programme authorised by the PSB (Pre-Senior Baccalaureate), ‘Ryde Global’. The programme of work in the Senior School is designed to provide a broad but challenging education up to the end of Year 11. The subjects taught to IGCSE/GCSE level are English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, French, German, Mandarin, Spanish, ESL, Geography, History, Business Studies, Art, Music, Academic PE, Drama, Computer Science and Design Technology. All pupils select an elective subject from: Global Perspectives, Arts Award, Science CREST Award, Informatics or additional English and Maths to add breadth. All pupils also follow a programme of Personal Development (PD) and Games.
In the Sixth Form, pupils choose from three routes: the IB Diploma Programme, ‘A level Plus’ (3 A levels plus various enrichment and extension options) and the IB Careers-related Programme (An IB certificate that combines academic courses alongside vocational qualifications in one of Business, Performing Arts or Sport). In addition, A level students are encouraged to take the Extended Project Qualification, designed to add breadth to their academic studies. Careers advice and guidance is given to all pupils. Students go on to a variety of universities and careers, including Oxbridge, medical schools, arts colleges and other Russell Group Universities, apprenticeships and straight into employment.
Tutorial system. Each pupil has a tutor who is responsible for their academic and personal progress and general pastoral welfare. The tutorial system encourages close contact with parents, which is further reinforced by parents’ meetings, which are held at regular intervals, and a parent portal.
The School aims to maintain sound discipline and good manners within a traditionally friendly atmosphere and encourages pupils to live up to the School motto Ut Prosim.
Our values underpin our community, shaping everything we do and how we go about our daily lives.
AMBITION – We are ambitious both individually and for our School. We have high expectations and aspirations.
RESPONSIBILITY – We take responsibility for our own actions and decisions. We value integrity and self-discipline.
COURAGE – We have the courage to be adventurous and to be risk-takers. We have the tenacity to keep trying and to overcome challenges.
RESPECT – We respect ourselves, each other and our community as a whole. We expect kindness, inclusivity, empathy and open-mindedness.
Games. The main games in the Senior School are hockey, rugby and cricket for the boys, and hockey, netball and cricket for the girls with sailing and athletics also a big focus. Girls’ football and rugby are also offered. Other games include basketball, rounders, croquet, squash, golf, swimming, rowing and tennis. Regular matches are arranged at all levels against teams both on the Island and the mainland. There are many opportunities for sailing, both keel boats and in the School’s own fleet of dinghies. Many pupils compete for the School and for local clubs and at county and national level.
Music and Drama. The Music Department incorporates practice and teaching facilities and a well-equipped recording studio. The School has a flourishing choral tradition, with opportunities for participation in a variety of choirs and instrumental groups. Concerts and musical plays are performed in both Senior and Prep Schools, and concert tours abroad have taken place in recent years. Full-length plays are produced each year by both Senior and Prep Schools, and special attention is given in the English lessons of the younger forms to speaking, lecturing and acting. Musical Theatre is a particular strength. The School has its own Performing Arts Centre and a School Poet. In 2021, one of our music scholars won the Keyboard section of the BBC Young Musician.
Activities. Pupils are expected to take part in extracurricular activities and there is a wide range to choose from, including the Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, a flourishing debating and public speaking programme, riding, art and design clubs, sports clubs, numerous trips and the opportunity for exchange visits. The school is particularly proud of the number of pupils undertaking Gold DofE.
Boarding. Boarding for both boys and girls is available from Year 7. Full, weekly and flexi boarding options are available in two boarding houses in the school grounds.
Fees per term (from January 2025). Senior School £6,669. Boarding (inc. tuition): £15,196 (full), £13,530 (weekly), fees inclusive of VAT
Rates are for payment by Direct Debit.
Scholarships and bursaries. Scholarships may be awarded on merit to external or internal candidates for entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+. All scholarships open up bursaries, which are means tested.
Charitable status. Ryde School is a Registered Charity, number 307409. The aims and objectives of the Charity are the education of boys and girls.
Governors & Staff:
Governors:
Chairman: Mr C Lees
Vice-Chairman: Dr M Legg
Hereditary Governor: Mr I McIsaac
Chair of Finance & General Purposes: Mr G Whitefield
Chair of Education Committee and Inspection: Mr P Hamilton
Ms C Doerries, KC
Mrs M Esfandiary
Mrs F Hnatow
Mrs C Jacobs (Safeguarding and Staff Liaison)
Mrs J Wallace-Dutton
Mr P Weeks (Health and Safety Committee)
Mr A Tate
Clerk to the Governors: Mrs S Webb
Head Master: Mr W Turner, BA Hons, PGCE
Head of Senior School: Mr A Daville, MA Oxon, QTS
Deputy Head (Pastoral): Mrs J Harding, BSc Hons, PGCE
Deputy Head (Academic): Dr G Speller, BSc, MPhil, PhD Cantab
Head of Prep: Mr E Marsden, BSc Hons
Head of Pre-Prep: Mrs E Willetts, BA, PGCE
Assistant Head (Co-curricular) Mr M Rochford, BA Hons
Assistant Head (Academic): Miss G S Stenning, BA Hons, PGCE
Director of Learning: Mr D Shapland, MEd
Head of Sixth Form: Mr M J Windsor, BSc
Director of Health & Wellbeing: Miss C B Vince, BA Hons, PGCE
Head of Section 7–9: Mr M Whillier, BSc, QTS
Head of Year 7: Mrs Rebecca Daville, MA Oxon, PGCE
Head of Years 8 & 9: Mrs P Ball, BA
Head of Section 10 & 11: Miss J Dyer, BA
Senior Teachers:
Mr A Jackson, BA, PGCE, NPQH (Head of Modern Languages)
Mr P Pavlou, BA Hons, PGCE (Head of Group 5, Mathematics)
§ Part-time
Senior School Teaching Staff:
Mr M Alderton, MPhys (Centenary Housemaster, Physics)
Mr L Attrill, MBE, MEng, Pg Dl, PGCE (Head of Chine, Physics)
Mr F Bagnall, BSc, PGCE (Director of Sport & Fitness, PE, Head of Rugby)
Mrs P Ball, BA Hons (Head of Years 8 & 9, English)
Ms K E Bishop, BSc, BA Hons (Head of Psychology, Science)
Mr A Brett, BA Hons PGCE (Teacher i/c Spanish)
Miss N Broughton, BA Hons, MA, PGCE (Head of Art)
Miss H Buckett, BA Hons PGCE (Teacher of Art)
Mr T Bull, BA (Head of Academic Drama, Dance Live, Theatre Manager)
Mrs P Bussell (Teacher of PE & Girls Games, Assistant to Head of Pastoral Care/PE)
Miss V Cave, MA, PGCE (History/Geography)
Mr M G Chalmers, BSc Hons (Head of Chemistry, Rowing)
Mrs S Chapman, BSc Hons, PGCE (Mathematics)
Mr J C Comben, BA Hons (Head of History, Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award)
Mr A Daville, MA Oxon, QTS (Head of Senior School, Physics)
Mrs R Daville, MA Oxon, PGCE (Head of Year 7, English)
Mr T Dumbach, AB Harvard Hons, MSt Oxon (i/c Latin, US University Entrance, Scholarship)
Miss G Dye, BTEC, PE (Sports Coach, Head of Football, Girls Cricket)
Miss J A Dyer, BA (Head of Section 10 & 11, Languages, Spanish)
Mr H Edwards, BSc Hons, PGCE (Millfield Housemaster, i/c Academic PE)
Dr C Flaherty, MA Hons, MPhil, PGCE, PhD (i/c Politics/MUN)
Mr B Fu, BSc Hons, MS (Design Technology, Sport)
§Mrs N Green-Appleton, BSc, MSc (Science)
Ms M Grice (Languages)
§Ms H Ham, MSc, PGCE (Mathematics, Psychology)
Mrs J Harding, BSc Hons, PGCE (DSL, Deputy Head (Pastoral), Psychology)
Mr T Harding, BA Hons, MaST, QTS, (Business Studies, Mathematics)
Ms H Hay, BA Hons, PGCE, (Teacher i/c Cookery)
§Mrs K Hayter, BA Hons, PGCE (History, Politics)
§Mr J Henson, BA Hons, DipHE (Music)
Mr M Hooper, BA, MA, PGCE (Head of Economics & Business, BTEC Quality Nominee)
Mr A Jackson, BA, PGCE, NPQH (Head of Modern Languages Faculty, Gold DofE, Senior Teacher – ECTs & PGCE)
Mr A Johnston, BA Hons (Head of ICT)
Mr P Johnson, BSc Hons, MA Hons, (Mathematics, School Chaplain)
Ms E C Jones, BA Hons, PGCE (English)
Mrs J Jones, BSc Hons, MA, PGCE (Head of Learning Support, English)
Mr R Jonneau, BA Hons, MA, PGCE (MFL, French)
Mrs C Manser, BSc Hons, PTLLS (Director of Sailing, Economics & Business Studies)
Mr J McCormack (Sports Coach)
Mr A Nye, BA Hons, QTS (Mathematics)
Mr M Osbourne, BA Hons, MA (Design & Technology Tutor & Technician)
Mrs L E O’Sullivan, BSc Ed Hons (Mathematics)
Mr P Pavlou, BA Hons, PGCE (Senior Teacher, Head of Mathematics – Timetable, Mathematics)
Ms E Penner, BA Hons, PGCE (Head of English)
§Ms R Perkins, MA (ESL/SEN)
Dr M Pointer, BSc Hons, PGCE (Science)
Miss P Price, BA Hons, PGCE (English/Learning Support)
§Mrs J Rann, BA, PGCE (Art)
Mr M Rochford, BA Hons, PGCE, NPQSL, (Assistant Head Co-curricular)
Miss C Rose, BA Hons (Head of Design Technology)
Mr D Shapland, MEd (Director of Learning, IB Coordinator, RE, TOK, Director of Studies – Sixth Form)
Ms T Slapina, BA Hons, PGCE (German)
Dr G R Speller, BSc, MPhil, PhD Cantab (Deputy Head Academic, Science, PSB)
Mrs P Spibey-Dodd (Games Coach)
Miss G S Stenning, BA Hons, PGCE (Assistant Head Academic, Director of Studies Years 7 - 11)
Mr P G Swann, BSc Hons, PGCE (Head of Physics)
Mrs B Tarrago (Spanish Language Assistant)
Mrs B Teotónio, MSci, PGDE (Science)
Mr C Trevallion, BSc (Head of Biology)
Mr W Turner, BA Hons, PGCE (Head Master, Languages)
Mrs R Tweddle, IPGCSE, GTCL, LTCL (Head of Music, Choir Director)
Miss C Verleure, BA, PGCE (Assistant Head of Year 10-11, Languages, i/c French)
Miss C Vince, BA Hons, PGCE (EPQ Coordinator, Director of Health & Wellbeing, English)
Mr J Wainwright, BA Hons (Head of Geography)
Mrs L Waldron, BA Hons, MEd, PGCE (2nd in Dept, Mathematics, Internal Exams)
Miss P Wallace-Dutton, MSc Hons (PE)
Ms C Wang, BEd Hons, MEd, PGCE (Teacher i/c Mandarin)
Mr G Watson, BA Hons, QTS (History, Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator)
§Mrs J Whillier, BSc, QTS (Mathematics)
Mr M Whillier, BSc, QTS (Head of Section 7–9, Chemistry)
§Mr J Willetts, BSc (Head of Religious Studies, Economics, Careers & HE Advisor)
Mr M J Windsor, BSc (Head of Sixth Form, Geography)
Mr C Youlten, BA, PGCE (Head of Arts Faculty, Performance, Drama)
Mrs W Youlten, BA Hons, PGCE (English, Assistant Head of Sixth Form)
Ms H Young, BSc Hons, MA, PGCE (Chemistry, DT)
Prep School:
Head of Prep, Assistant DSL: Mr E Marsden, BSc Hons
Ms C Armstrong
Mrs E Dickson, BA Hons, PGCE
§Mrs S Flux
Mr A Gallerwood, BA Hons, QTS
Mrs G Gallerwood, BA Hons, QTS
Mrs J Jeffery
§Ms L Kirkby
Mrs M Langshaw, BA Hons, PGCE
Mrs G Marsden, BA Hons
Mr J Mathrick, BSc Hons, PGCE, QTS
Mrs C McCall
Mr N McCall
§Miss O Newnham, BEd Hons
Mrs E Shaw, BA Hons
§Mrs T Simons, BEd
Mrs M Walker, BMus Hons, MMus, PGCE
Nursery and Pre-Prep:
Head of Pre-Prep, Assistant DSL: Mrs E Willetts, BA Hons, PGCE
Mrs C Buckley
Mrs C Callaghan, Diploma in Montessori Early Years
Miss K Clarke, BA Hons, PGCE, NNEB
Ms E Cooke
Mrs P Evans, BEd Hons
Mrs S Hickmott, AMI TQUK Level 2 (Head of Nursery)
Mrs L Hughes, BA Hons, QTS
Mrs S Lea, NTD, CPHCC
Miss V Lovell, BEd Hons
Mrs P Ong, DPP
Ms T Squire, NNEB
Miss A Townson, NVQ3
Ms V Winter