The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 50.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2022
- This is a Church of England school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
50.7
6.9 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
58%
16.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
24%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.12
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
95%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
85%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
8%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
3%
Based on 278 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
19% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 131 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Church of England
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,733
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 10.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Lancashire
- Trust
- THE BAY LEARNING TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Helen Best (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Outstanding
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Ashton Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4RS
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmJamea Al Kauthar
Independent · 603m away
Bowerham Primary & Nursery School
Primary · 704m away
Lancaster Dallas Road Community Primary School
Primary · 826m away
Scotforth St Paul's Church of England Primary and Nursery School
Primary · 947m away
The Cathedral Catholic Primary School, Lancaster
Primary · 1.0km away
Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Secondary · 1.2km away
St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, Lancaster
Primary · 1.3km away
Appletree Nursery School
Nursery · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy a selective school?
No. Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy's Ofsted rating?
Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in December 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy?
Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy currently has 1,733 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy take?
Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy?
Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy is in Lancaster, LA1 4RS, in the Lancashire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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