Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome back to the beginning of what promises to be another exciting year at Ribston, we have much to celebrate already. Over the summer, our GCSE and A Level students achieved an outstanding set of results.  Nearly 50% of A Levels were awarded the top grades of A*-B with more than 54% of GCSE entries awarded grades 9-7 and we are proud to say the strongest Attainment 8 score for the school since the introduction of this measure 12 years ago. These achievements reflect the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our families. 

This follows the very positive outcome from our recent Ofsted inspection, where the majority of areas were judged to meet the criteria for the Strong Standard. This recognition reflects the continued progress of school development since the previous inspection and our collective commitment to providing an ambitious, high-quality education for every student. 

Demand for Ribston continues to grow. We received more first preference applications for Year 7 than ever before, resulting in a significant waiting list of qualified students seeking a place at the school. Our Sixth Form has also enjoyed record interest, with strong competition for places.  Students are already considering their plans for our ambitious Ribston Baccalaureate enrichment opportunities and making good use of our new Sixth Form Café which opened last year. 

As our students move on to the next stage of their education and careers, we are equally proud of their destinations. This year, more and more students have secured places at Russell Group universities, Oxbridge and highly competitive degree apprenticeships in fields including nuclear chemistry, engineering and healthcare. 

These successes reflect the strength of our school community and provide an excellent foundation for the year ahead. We look forward to sharing further achievements, opportunities and developments with you as the term progresses. Together, we continue to be ambitious for every student and proud to be Ribston. 

Information Evenings 

It has been great to welcome new Year 7 and Year 12 students this week. As all students begin the next year of their education we run a series of information evenings for parents and carers to deliver key messages and information specific to your child's year group.  These evenings are face-to-face in school and senior staff will be available afterwards to ask any questions you may have. 

The timing for the information evenings are 5:30pm to 6:30pm. 

• Year 7 - This took place on Thursday 3rd September.  Slides have been sent out. 
• Year 8 - Thursday 17th September  
• Year 9 - Monday 7th September 
• Year 10 - Monday 21st September  
• Year 11 - Tuesday 15th September 
• Year 12 - Wednesday 9th September  
• Year 13 - Thursday 24th September  

Safeguarding Spotlight 

Please find the September issue of Safeguarding spotlight below. This edition focusses on Back to school and Online challenges. 

• September Spotlight on Safeguarding Newsletter

School Photographs – Thursday 10^th September 2026

Individual school photos will be taking place on Thursday 10th September.  Students will be required to wear full correct uniform including their blazer.  A programme will be circulated to students on the morning; they will only miss a very small amount of time from lessons to minimise disruption – please ensure that they bring all of their books and equipment for the day. We will also be taking tutor group photos this year for Years 7 & 11.  

Barnes Coaches from Swindon 

The above coach provider has asked us to let you know that they still have some availability on their service from Swindon to Ribston & Crypt Schools. More information can be found on their web page: Swindon Grammar School Transport | Daily School Coaches from Swindon. Their email address is:- cryptribstonbus@gmail.com.

Request from Neighbours

We would like to respectfully remind parents to park responsibly during drop-off and collection times. Please do not block our neighbours' driveways or park on double yellow lines. Your consideration helps us maintain positive relationships with our local community and ensures the safety of all road users. Thank you for your support.

Have a lovely weekend.

Becky Tibbles (Executive Assistant to the Headteacher & Senior Leadership Team)

Dear Parents/Carers, 

It has been a busy and positive start to the new academic year, with students already making the most of the opportunities available both in and beyond the classroom. We have particularly enjoyed welcoming our new students and families into the Ribston community.

The first few weeks bring a great deal that is new, and we are proud of the confidence and independence our students are already showing. Please continue to encourage your child to ask questions, seek help when they need it and make the most of the support available to them.

Information Evenings

Our final two Information Evenings take place next week in the school hall from 5.30pm - 6.30pm:

• Year 10 – Monday 21st September: This will provide important information about the start of GCSE courses, work experience, target grades and reporting.
• Year 13 – Thursday 24th September: This will focus on the important next steps beyond Ribston, including UCAS and university applications, degree apprenticeships, and how parents and carers can support students through their final year at school.

If the Information Evening for your child’s year group has already taken place, you should have received a copy of the presentation by email. Please take a few minutes to complete our short anonymous questionnaire, even if you were unable to attend. Your feedback is an important part of our parent's voice and will help us to understand what works well and how we can improve these evenings further: Parent Information Evenings Feedback Survey.

Sports Awards evening

A reminder that our Sports Awards Evening, which was postponed at the end of last term due to the extreme heat, will now take place in the Main Hall on Monday 28th September at 5.45pm. The evening is open to any student and their family who has represented the school in sport or taken part in a sports leadership event, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements.

School contact emails

The Ribston Hall Association (RHA) is currently receiving a number of emails intended for the school Reception. To help enquiries reach the right person as quickly as possible, please use the following addresses:

• School Reception: rhhs@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• RHA: RHA@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk

Heads of Year:

• Year 7: Head7@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• Year 8: Head8@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• Year 9: Head9@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• Year 10: Head10@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• Year 11: Head11@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk
• Sixth Form: Sixthform@ribstonhall.gloucs.sch.uk

RHA Quiz Night

The RHA will be holding its Quiz Night on Friday 9th October in the school hall. Doors open at 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets- £5.00 Adults/ £1 under 18's. Ploughman's is available to order- £5.00 per plate. A bar will also be available.

This is always a very popular event, so we would recommend booking early to avoid missing out.

Tickets available via the following link: Products | Ribston Hall Association.

Year 7 Croft Farm Residential

Our Year 7 students are heading to Croft Farm next week for their first Ribston residential. We hope they have a fantastic time and enjoy the opportunity to spend time together outside the classroom as they continue to settle into life at Ribston.

Further information about the trip, including the kit list, can be found in the Year 7 Parent Information presentation sent at the end of the first week of term.

Year 7 CAT Testing

The Year 7 CAT tests originally planned for Tuesday 22nd September will now take place on Tuesday 6th October.

Safeguarding at Ribston

Finally, further to our Safeguarding Spotlight shared on our Social Media and in last week's communications, in assemblies this week, Mrs Hay, Deputy Headteacher Inclusion and our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), reminded students about safeguarding and the support available to them in school. She spoke about healthy relationships, recognising when something does not feel right, and the importance of speaking to a trusted adult if they are worried about themselves or someone else.

Mrs Hay leads our safeguarding team and is supported by our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, Mrs Hill, Mrs Cresswell, Ms Erro and Mrs Brewster. Students can speak to any member of the safeguarding team, but we also remind them that they can approach any trusted member of staff if they need help or are concerned about something.

We would also encourage parents and carers to contact the school if you have a concern about your child’s safety or wellbeing, or if there is something happening outside school that you feel we need to be aware of. Sharing information with us early helps us to ensure that the right support is in place.

Have a great weekend.

Becky Tibbles (Executive Assistant to the Headteacher & Senior Leadership Team)

Ribston Roar is our termly newsletter that shares highlights from the classroom, celebrations of individual and student accomplishments, and lots more! You can read our latest version on the News page of our website.

The Ribbus celebrates both our achievements and the vibrant community that makes Ribston unique. It reflects our enduring values, our sense of tradition, and the pride we take in being part of the Ribston family. Today, as always, we carry forward the spirit of our school.

 Produced by the Ribston Heritage Champions, the latest edition of The Ribbus covers the spirit of the 2025/26 academic year here at Ribston. From our school's creative culture days to student residentials, there's something for everyone! You can find out more and download a copy of The Ribbus here: The Ribbus Magazine.

We share the Spotlight on Safeguarding newsletter to keep parents and guardians informed about key issues affecting young people, along with the latest updates, guidance, and resources related to safeguarding children. You can find out more on our Safeguarding page.