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Peter Read, Kent Independent Educational Advice

I was so impressed with all the classes and teaching I saw and came away with a very positive view of the College, its ethos and aspirations for the students. The priority of teaching and learning was foremost and the students projected such a positive attitude towards their studies

Peter Read, Kent Independent Educational Advice

Welcome to the RIC Lower School

A grounded and inclusive small class environment committed to personal development, which promotes academic and creative excellence and offers a nurturing and informal approach to education

Established as a sixth form in 1984, RIC has been offering places for children in Year 7 since 2006. The Lower School is now a thriving alternative to the academically selective grammar and traditional independent schools. Our students tell us it’s cool to study hard at RIC and that they feel at home here. Parents who visit and see what is on offer tell us they want to come back to school. Our unofficial logo is The Flying Pig, perfectly embodying the RIC belief that everyone can fly and achieve their dreams and ambitions.

We welcome everyone who has the desire and motivation to excel, not just those who have passed the 11+. All class sizes are small, the average being 8, the maximum 12.

Within an informal atmosphere, students respond enthusiastically to high expectations of behaviour and achievement. RIC’s Lower School offers a broad education before the specialisation of sixth form. Prospective doctors and vets get to be stretched by the demanding Triple Science GCSEs while those who are more creative can study subjects such Film, Music Technology and Photography.

Find out more about our taster days HERE.

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Reasons to choose RIC Lower School

• Academic rigour and outstanding results

RIC is a non-selective school that achieves impressive results. The College is top in Medway and in the top 2% of schools in England for value added progress at A level, allowing our students to take up places at great universities.

• Small class sizes, not exceeding 12

With class sizes this small, our teachers are able to understand each individual and ensure that every voice can be heard.

• Wide range of subjects both academic and creative within a flexible curriculum.

This broad curriculum enables all students to discover their strengths and develop their talents.

• Enriching and nurturing environment

Our experienced and caring staff provide unrivalled support for our students, as well as offering a host of invaluable experiences outside of the classroom.

Read our review from Muddy Stilletos to learn more about RIC!

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Good Schools Guide

Classrooms mainly comprise of large tables with chairs grouped round collaboratively, where small groups of pupils learn via discursive tutorial type teaching. So far so hippy – until you notice the hush that has descended in the classrooms and the fact that pupils (younger ones, at any rate) are just as likely to do traditional spelling tests and times tables as any other school, while older ones follow strict exam-oriented curricula.

Good Schools Guide

Quality teaching with regular personalised feedback and reporting

A flexible curriculum more closely aligned to your child’s interests with an emphasis on the core subjects first but with unusually varied provision in the creative arts

Smaller class sizes where your child will not slip under the radar

A school where inspectors say personal development and behaviour is “excellent.”

An expectation that all will grow in confidence and self esteem, do well in exams and have great memories of school life.

A friendly social environment that will broaden your child’s perspective

A nurturing school where your child will achieve academically without undue pressure

A chance to be free from petty school rules and an obsession with uniform

A school with low staff turnover

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Current student

“It's more like a big family than a school. Everyone gets on and supports each other. The teachers allow you to have fun at the same time as making sure all the work is done. I can't imagine studying anywhere else.”

Current student

A great education

The first students to stay with us from Year 7 to sixth form graduated from university courses that ranged from History at King’s College London, Film at Warwick, Medicine at Sheffield, Engineering at Bath, Fine Art at Central Saint Martins and Graphic Design at Falmouth. With a range of academic and creative pathways RIC offers a real 11+ alternative.

Find out more about the history of RIC here.

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Good Schools Guide

The students are a strikingly nice bunch. It’s a place for individuals, and there’s a lovely air of tolerance and warmth. Parents love the lack of school gate competitiveness: ‘That playground talk, everyone wanting their child to be in the top set, you don’t have that here.’ They are strict about homework and behaviour, but removing petty rules means the rapport between pupils and teachers is much better. Or, as one pupil put it, 'The only thing to rebel against here is education itself.'

Good Schools Guide
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A world of difference

RIC’s Lower School combines a friendly and informal approach with the teaching excellence and pastoral support of a top independent school. There’s a happy and lively atmosphere where academic success follows naturally from students being settled in their environment and engaged by enthusiastic and talented teachers. At RIC the transition from primary to secondary school is smoother and less intimidating than is sometimes possible at a larger school.

There's a great team of teachers in the Lower School, led by Leighton Bright, Vice Principal with responsibility for years 7-11 and Ian Duxbury, Head of the Lower School. They are supported by Nadine Whaymond and Chris Barradell as Directors of Studies for Key Stages 3 and 4 respectively. Find out more about our teachers here.

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Oliver, Joined RIC from Kings Hill Primary, Now at UEA studying Paramedic Science

I started studying at RIC in year 7 in 2008 as a shy, introverted child that did not have confidence or faith in myself and my ability to learn. When I left in 2015 after A2 exams I was confident in my abilities, outgoing and inspired. I owe this to the outstanding team at RIC. Small class sizes gave me the opportunity to develop communication skills, skills that are vital in both university study and general life. Wearing my own clothes and having artistic subjects as a key part to the curriculum gave me an opportunity to express myself and to expand my ways of thinking. The most important factor behind RIC is having teachers that are passionate about their subjects, inspiring us to learn and develop. The teachers recognise you as an individual, teaching you to be non judgmental and respectful of each other. Choosing to go to RIC was one of the best decisions of my life.

Oliver, Joined RIC from Kings Hill Primary, Now at UEA studying Paramedic Science
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Independent Schools Inspectorate

Students show a mature understanding of each other’s feelings and situations and a clear moral sense in describing their own needs and the effect of their actions on others. They feel that there is little bullying or unkindness and attribute the happy atmosphere to the fact that ‘everyone knows everyone.'

Independent Schools Inspectorate

A place to learn

The Lower School is based in New Road House and New Court. There is a dedicated refectory along with the school hall, computer rooms, music practice rooms, an art studio and several large form rooms. Lower School students move around the RIC campus to use specialist facilities such as the science laboratories, music tech labs, photography dark room, and mac suites for graphic design, film and media work.

Explore our campus: https://virtualopenhouse.roche...

The RIC garden campus is home to some interesting structures including musical gates, a Tardis garden library, a geodesic dome, a Maths Shed, a home to our brood of chickens and an igloo shaped oak gall. There's a full multi use sports area, an underground theatre and some interesting outdoor classroom spaces.

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Current student

“At Rochester it’s really easy to fit in and make friends. People come from so many different backgrounds and there aren’t the same pressures to conform. I’ve never been so happy at school.”

Current student
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Ed Smyth joined RIC from King's Rochester Prep went to KCL and is now a filmmaker

We were absolutely delighted with the results Edward got today for his A levels. They were better than we ever dared hope for and such an achievement. We know that a lot of this is down to you and all your staff who over seven years have given so much of your time and expertise to guide him on his way. To receive a confirmed offer from KCL this morning was wonderful. It was a huge leap of faith moving him at the age of 11 but the best thing we could have done for him. He has been so happy since joining you and you have given him so much in addition to purely academic knowledge.

Ed Smyth joined RIC from King's Rochester Prep went to KCL and is now a filmmaker
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An intentionally small, co-educational school with small classes

Small by design, we’re able to get to know everyone well but large enough for good friendship groups to be formed. The Lower School has up to 100 students in years 7-10 aged 11-15 and up to 60 in Year 11.

Student needs are clearly recognised and focused upon in a small school setting. Students are better known and relationships between teachers and children- and children with each other- prosper. Individual attention in all subjects is not only always available, but practically inescapable.

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