The Ryleys School
Ryleys Lane, Alderley Edge, SK9 7UY
Pupils
264
Ages
1 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mrs Julia Langford
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£674 to £5,458
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About The Ryleys School
The Ryleys School, located in Alderley Edge, is a co-educational day school catering for children from the age of one to eleven. With a non-denominational religious affiliation, the school prides itself on offering a broad ability range while maintaining an ambitious academic focus, particularly towards the Eleven-Plus exams. The school has a unique approach to admissions, with nursery places filled on a first-come, first-served basis, giving priority to siblings. From reception onwards, prospective pupils and their parents are invited for a taster day and informal chat to assess suitability. The school is selective in its intake, ensuring that it can meet the needs of its students without requiring excessive support for behavioural issues.
The school operates a two-form entry system, with class sizes capped at 20, ensuring a personalised learning experience. Most students remain at the school until the Eleven-Plus, with many progressing to prestigious secondary schools such as Cheadle Hulme, King’s, and Stockport Grammar. The headteacher’s guidance, which begins in year five, is highly praised by parents, contributing to the school’s strong academic reputation.
The curriculum at The Ryleys School is both bold and comprehensive, with recent changes now fully embedded. The school has successfully transitioned from being perceived as small and nurturing to a serious academic contender. Parents appreciate the balance between academic rigour and a familial atmosphere, where children are encouraged to stretch their abilities in a supportive environment.
The school’s nursery is enchanting, with a focus on child-led learning. Toys are either wooden or non-traditional, such as real fruit for pretend play, fostering creativity and imagination. As children progress through pre-reception and pre-prep, the learning becomes more formalised, with the introduction of White Rose Maths and cursive writing by year one. The curriculum is further extended from year three with weekly non-verbal reasoning and verbal reasoning sessions, and Italian is introduced in years five and six. The Eleven-Plus preparation takes centre stage in the final years, with booster sessions available to support students.
Specialist teaching is a hallmark of The Ryleys School, with subjects such as French, Music, and Games introduced from nursery, and Drama from reception. Science, Art, and Design Technology are added from year one, with Maths and English specialist teaching from year four. The school does not employ setting, instead focusing on differentiation within the classroom and fluid groupings for separate teaching when necessary. This approach is well-received by parents, who value the emphasis on patience and inspiration from peers.
The teaching staff at The Ryleys School are committed and encouraging, providing personal direction to each student. The school boasts an outdoor classroom, well-utilised by younger students, and offers a range of homework from basic reading and phonics in reception to more independent work by year two. The Eleven-Plus preparation is a key focus from year five.
The school’s facilities include a lovely library, large science labs, and an ICT suite equipped with laptops. Parents appreciate the comprehensive facilities, though some suggest a refresh would be beneficial. The Head of Learning Support, along with a part-time assistant and teaching assistants, supports the 13% of pupils on the SEN register, with interventions and one-to-ones taking place in the library.
Music and drama are strong aspects of the school, with numerous ensembles and choirs, and performances that are described as slick and professional. Art covers a wide range of media, with a focus on global perspectives and upcycling. The school’s sporting facilities are excellent, with opportunities for both boys and girls to participate in a variety of sports.
The Ryleys School offers over 40 clubs, ranging from STEM to yoga and origami, with termly trips and residentials from year three. The school’s behaviour policy is effective, with a strong sense of community and a desire to please among the students.
Founded in 1877, the school moved to its current site shortly after and became co-educational in 2009. The traditional uniform is well-liked by pupils, and the school’s family feel is a significant draw for parents. The school community is diverse, with families from various nationalities and cultures, and parents appreciate the excellent communication from the school.
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ISI Review
The Ryleys School is a co-educational preparatory institution located in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, catering for children aged one to eleven. It operates as a charitable trust with a governing body overseeing its operations. The school comprises three departments: early years, pre-prep, and prep. Since the last inspection, there have been significant changes, including a new chair of governors, the introduction of new board members, and an expansion of the nursery to accommodate younger children. The school aims to provide an outstanding education that inspires pupils and nurtures their individual talents in a diverse environment, emphasizing core values such as curiosity, tolerance, respect, and authenticity.
The student body is drawn from various professional backgrounds, primarily from Alderley Edge and nearby towns. The school reports that its pupils generally demonstrate above-average abilities compared to national standards. A small number of students have special educational needs, with some receiving additional support for conditions like dyslexia. The school has provisions in place for pupils who speak English as an additional language, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive academically.
The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that The Ryleys School meets all standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. The inspection focused on various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaint handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school provides a well-documented curriculum that supports good progress among pupils, effective behavior management, and suitable resources. The school promotes a positive environment for personal development, encouraging responsible citizenship and moral understanding.
In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has established robust arrangements to safeguard pupils, promote good behavior, and prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, and appropriate first aid provisions are in place. The school maintains accurate attendance records and has a strategic approach to risk assessment, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff, confirming that appropriate checks are conducted to ensure that all individuals working with pupils are suitable for their roles. The premises are well-maintained, providing adequate facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as suitable outdoor spaces for physical education and play.
The school effectively communicates with parents, providing a range of information about its ethos, curriculum, and policies. Complaints are handled through a structured process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. Leadership and management at The Ryleys School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities to maintain high standards across all areas.
The quality of early years provision is rated as outstanding, with leaders implementing a highly effective curriculum tailored to the needs of young children. Practitioners engage with children to support their learning and development, ensuring that progress is carefully monitored. The personal and emotional development of children is a strength, with staff fostering a safe and secure environment that encourages exploration and independence.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who demonstrate strong communication skills and a positive attitude towards learning. The school provides a wide-ranging curriculum that challenges and supports pupils, with many achieving success in various academic, sporting, and performance areas. The school leadership actively promotes opportunities for pupils to excel, including participation in external competitions and events.
Pupils exhibit high levels of self-discipline and responsibility, contributing positively to the school community. They are encouraged to take risks in their learning, demonstrating resilience and confidence. The school has made significant strides in enhancing its ICT provision, although there is room for improvement in integrating technology more effectively into the learning process.
Overall, The Ryleys School is committed to providing a high-quality education that nurtures the individual talents of its pupils while ensuring their safety and well-being. The school has established a strong foundation for academic success and personal development, preparing students for their future educational journeys. The recommendations for further improvement focus on enhancing outdoor learning opportunities for younger children and strengthening the integration of ICT skills across the curriculum.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024