Ripley truly is a very special place. The teachers are highly competent, incredibly caring, and consistently go the extra mile to support the children. Ripley has exceeded our expectations, and we see our decision to join the school as the best academic choice we have made for our children so far.” — Ripley Parent
Welcome to Upper Court
About Upper Court
Meet the Team
Aims, Ethos and Values
The School Day
Academics
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Arts
Extra-Curricular
School Trips
The House System
Leadership & Pupil Well-Being
Lunch and Snack
Uniforms and Kit
Schoolbags and Stationery
Illness
Keeping Informed
Fees & Extras
Sport Clubs
After-School Care
Bus Service
Parents as Partners
A place where a love of learning is nurtured, individuality is celebrated, and excellence is encouraged in all areas of school life.
Our ethos is grounded in a commitment to holistic education. We combine academic ambition with outstanding pastoral care, creating a happy, supportive environment where children feel valued and motivated to give their best Our small class sizes and excellent pupil–teacher ratios enable teachers to know every pupil well, recognising their progress and helping them reach their full potential: academically, socially, and emotionally. This guide supports both prospective and current parents in understanding daily life in Upper Court, including key routines, expectations, and opportunities. For the latest details on term dates, events, and fixtures, please refer to the school’s online calendar via our website. We look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you and your child
Upper Court is the Prep section of the school, welcoming pupils from Years 3 to 6 It offers a supportive and nurturing environment where children develop greater independence, grow in confidence and embrace new challenges.
Our broad and engaging curriculum is brought to life through hands-on learning, visiting speakers, workshops, and educational trips, enriching pupils' experiences both in and beyond the classroom. From Year 5, pupils benefit from specialist teaching in all subjects, laying strong foundations for the transition to senior school.
Our outstanding 11+ results, with numerous scholarships and exhibitions awarded for academic excellence, sport, music, drama, art, and all-round ability at leading senior schools, speak volumes about the thorough preparation ou By the time th fully prepared f
Year 3
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 5
Year 6
Year 6
Mrs Louise Le Houx lehouxl@ripleycourt co uk
Mrs Fiona Cumberland cumberlandf@ripleycourt.co.uk
Mrs Sharon Cochrane cochranes@ripleycourt.co.uk
Ms Sharon Drislane Drislanes@ripleycourt co uk
Mr Ty Zaltsman ZaltsmanT@ripleycourt co uk
Mrs Katie De Chaves dechavesk@ripleycourt co uk
Mr Steve Brunning BrunningS@ripleycourt.co.uk
Head of Upper Court
Director of Studies
Head of English
Head of Maths
Head of Music & Drama
Head of Art
Maths and Science
Extension Maths
English
Computing
Mr Steven Brunning BrunningS@ripleycourt co uk
Mrs Harriet WesternKaye westernkayeh@ripleycourt co uk
Mrs Sophie Dudley History
Mr Steve Brunning
Mrs Harriet WesternKaye Geography TBC
Mr Samuel Lom FoodTech
Mrs Vanessa Gar
Mrs Kirstie Baker Reasoning TBC
Mrs Katie De Chaves French
Mrs Sheila Grallert
Head of Sport
Mrs Sharon Drislane Sport
Mr Ty Zaltsman Swimming
Mrs Sharon Cochrane
Mr Steven Brunning
Mr Ty Zaltsman
Kim Ballantine
Provide a nurturing environment.
Support children so they feel safe and secure and, as a result, can flourish and grow emotionally. Provide an environment which focuses on the intellectual, moral, spiritual, physical, and emotional development of every child.
Promote academic curiosity.
Foster a passion for learning and inspire a spirit of enquiry, challenge, and exploration
Provide high quality teaching and learning, which promotes academic success through children achieving their full potential
Prepare pupils for their future.
Provide a holistic educational experience where pupils learn about sustainability by introducing eco-friendly practices into daily school life. Provide pupils with the skills to equip them to succeed in the next stage of their education, and in the future, including, but not limited to: creativity, confidently articulating their ideas, collaboration, challenge, digital ability, and study skills
Our aims are underpinned by our values of Perseverance,
Pupils can attend Breakfast Club in the Dining Hall from 7:30 am, with no need to book in advance.
We welcome pupils into Upper Court from 8:00 am, and all pupils should arrive by 8:30 am. Registration takes place at 8:35, with the register closing at 9:00 am. If, for any reason, children arrive after 8:30 am, parents are kindly asked to make their way to the main office to register their child’s attendance.
The Upper Court day finishes at 4pm.
Children in Years 3 and 4 are handed over to parents at the double doors outside Barrington, overlooking the field
Years 5 and 6 pupils meet their parents in the quad
Prep is our free after-school club, held daily in the Dining Hall from 4pm to 5pm Children are given a supervised space to complete homework before heading home.
For those needing a later pick-up, our after school care, run by Après School, is available from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, providing flexibility and peace of mind for busy parents.
There are a variety of after school clubs available to children in Upper Court which can be booked on a termly basis for a fee. More information can be found in the clubs calendar.
Class teachers are always very happy to answer any parental questions in the morning and at the end of the day.
The year plan for each year group is updated and uploaded to the website every term We encourage you to visit the website for insight into what the children will be learning. These documents, known as Knowledge Organisers, can be accessed via the Parent Hub on the Ripley Court website or directly through this link.
A written report for English, Maths, and Science is made available to view on the Parent Portal at the end of the Autumn Term, and a full written report is
Year 3 pupils are assessed in a range of ways throughout the year, including end-of-module tests, topic progress checks, and spelling tests. These varied approaches help us build a clear picture of each child’s progress.
During the Autumn and Summer terms, pupils from Year 3 onwards, take exams in English, Maths, and Science and from the beginning of the Spring Term, based on the November exam results and overall performance during the term, pupils are set for English and Maths. These sets are fluid and can change at any given time if pupils are needing to be extended further or they need a little support with challenging topics
In Years 4 to 6, pupils are set from September in Maths. Teachers closely monitor each child’s development, reinforcing key skills and providing support both in and beyond the classroom to ensure steady progress
From Year 3, pupils have weekly lessons in verbal and non-verbal reasoning, using textbooks and teacher-led activities to develop vital critical thinking skills in preparation for the 11+ and senior school entrance. Year 3 pupils also take CAT assessments and, in the Summer Term, participate in the ESB (English Speaking Board) programme, helping them build confidence and refine their public speaking skills.
By Year 5, pupils use Atom Learning, an adaptive online platform, to develop their verbal, non-verbal (both qualitative and quantitative), Maths and English skills. Children can practise their verbal and non-verbal reasoning both at school and at home, allowing for continued reinforcement and progress beyond the classroom. Year 5 pupils complete mock CAT assessments to ensure they are thoroughly prepared by the time they sit their formal CAT tests. These results form part of their 11+ applications to senior schools.
Every two years, Ripley Court School hosts a Senior School event for parents of pupils in Year 4 and above, exploring their senior school options. The event features over 35 selected senior schools from the region, and we warmly welcome parents to attend.
We maintain excellent relationships with senior schools and provide the utmost support throughout this important journey Pupils are prepared for interviews and group activities, which form an important part of the process Additionally, Mr Ryan meets with parents in the second term of Year 5 to discuss future school choices and offer guidance. Preparation for the 11+ need not be stressful. Our children are thoroughly prepared, and we are renowned for our outstanding 11+ results.
Each child has a homework diary which they are encouraged to keep up to date The amount of homework assigned gradually increases as they progress through the school.
Our weekly enrichment programme for Years 3 to 6 offers an exciting array of experiences and opportunities to enhance our pupils' learning journey These activities foster teamwork, leadership skills, and a diverse range of abilities that extend beyond the classroom. Every Friday afternoon, pupils in Upper Court, take part in a dynamic rotation of activities, including Drama, Lego Robotics, Forest School, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). From the Autumn Term, we will open a dedicated STEM room, providing a focused space where pupils can explore and apply their learning as part of the enrichment programme. Pupils also visit Reed’s School to use specialist facilities such as the Cricket Centre and FutureTech building. These Reed’s staff, offer a carousel of age-
Forest School is a child-centred learning process that promotes holistic growth through regular sessions outside. The long-term programme encourages play, exploration, and managed risk-taking. Children develop confidence, self-esteem, and a range of skills by participating in hands-on experiences within a natural environment, such as woodwork, fire building, den making, and mud kitchen activities
Children in Years 3 and 4 take part in one Forest School on a rotation each month. Your child’s Form Teacher will send a reminder with the specific dates.
On Forest School days, pupils must wear their Games kit, including long tracksuit bottoms, a long-sleeved games shirt or mid-layer, wellies or walking boots, waterproof trousers, and a waterproof jacket.
For Years 5 and 6, Forest School takes place during Enrichment and runs for either a half-term or full-term block.
The Arts are an essential and vibrant part of life at Ripley Court School, enriching every pupil's experience and encouraging creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
Pupils enjoy weekly music lessons as part of the curriculum, led by our Head of Music, Mr Lom. In Year 3, all children learn to play the ukulele as part of their musical development. From Years 3 to 6, pupils have two music lessons each week and are encouraged to join a variety of ensembles, including the wind ensemble, orchestra, rock band, and the Upper Court choir, the Court Singers
Specialist peripatetic music teachers offer individual instrumental tuition, and children are encouraged to share their progress in our half-termly teatime concerts. If you would like to find out more or arrange private music tuition, please contact our Head of Music, Mr Lom, at loms@ripleycourtcouk, who will be happy to assist.
Year 3 and 4 pupils take part in a play during the Autumn Term, while Year 6 pupils shine in a spectacular end-of-year production, marking the end of their prep school journey. All children are involved, building performance confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation of the arts
From Year 2, pupils benefit from specialist Art teaching in our purpose-built Art room, exploring a variety of media and learning about a wide range of artists. Outings to places such as Wisley Gardens provide further creative inspiration and opportunities to broaden their artistic skills
Children in Years 3 to 6 enjoy one and a half terms of Art each year, alternating with Food Technology. While half the class takes part in Art, the other half enjoys Food Technology, allowing for smaller groups and a more hands-on, focused learning experience in both subjects. For those showing particular talent and enthusiasm for Art, there is an invitation-only Art Scholarship Club This club helps pupils prepare their portfolios and refine their skills ahead of Year 6 scholarship applications We are incredibly proud of our Art Department, which consistently prepares pupils to achieve art scholarships at a number of prestigious senior schools.
We offer a wide range of clubs and activities that allow children to broaden their skills and abilities while exploring new experiences. Club provision is available before, during, and after school. In addition to our Breakfast Club and After School Care, we provide a full selection of seasonal, cultural, sporting, and creative clubs. Club lists are usually sent to parents by email at the end of the previous term and bookings can be made via the online parent portal As some clubs have limited spaces, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Ballet is also offered as a club to Upper Court pupils. Miss Kelly teaches ballet during the school day and each term concludes with a Ballet Assembly, giving children the chance to perform and celebrate their progress
LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) lessons are available to children from Year 3 upwards. These 30-minute sessions take place weekly during school time. We aim to rotate session times every two weeks to minimise disruption to the timetable LAMDA is an optional activity, offered at an additional cost, and pupils work towards graded exams each year, which help develop articulation, confidence and expression.
Pupils enjoy a wide range of sporting activities, with a strong emphasis on enjoyment, teamwork, and participation. Upper Court children have games, swimming, and PE lessons taught by members of the Sports Department. From Year 3, pupils take part in four hours of team games each week, alongside year-round weekly swimming lessons. After-school swimming coaching is also available, with children grouped by ability to support their progress. Those showing particular promise have access to the Reed’s School pool for advanced training in preparation for timed events at the annual IAPS inter-school swimming competition. We host regular fixtures against other schools and provide transport for away matches, helping to foster sportsmanship and school spirit Fixtures are typically scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Our much-anticipated annual inter-house events include the Inter-house Gala, Cross Country, Sports Day, Netball, Football, and Aquathlon.
In addition to swimming, PE, and sports fixtures, pupils take part in a varied seasonal games programme.
Autumn Term: Football, and Netball
Spring Term: Rugby, and Hockey
Summer Term: Cricket
Pupils in Years 3 to 6 embark on exciting trips throughout the school year. In the latter half of the Summer Term, Years 3 and 4 venture on a two-night residential trip to an activity centre during our Activities Week, while Years 5 and 6 embark on a four-night excursion.
Throughout the year, pupils also enjoy a variety of local outings and benefit from a number of visiting speakers, all of which help bring learning to life in practical and meaningful ways. Our STEM Week offers further hands-on opportunities for pupils to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through workshops, challenges, and collaborative projects
All the pupils from Reception onwards are assigned to one of four Houses: Crichton - Red Davenport - Blue
Barnard - Green Snowdon - Yellow
In their final year of Prep School, our Year 6 pupils, are given carefully appointed leadership roles, these responsibilities nurture confidence, encourage teamwork and develop essential leadership skills This experience plays a key role in preparing our pupils for the greater independence and responsibility they will encounter at Senior School.
Additionally, the School Council, with representatives from each year group, meets every half term with the Headmaster to discuss new ideas and initiatives, giving pupils a meaningful voice in school life
Ripley Court’s well-being initiative supports pupils’ emotional and social development in a nurturing environment This includes: Bubble Time, which enables children to request one-on-one meetings with a trusted adult; Emotion Emoji check-ins to help pupils express their feelings visually; and weekly Mindfulness Assemblies that introduce emotional regulation strategies.
The Nest, our dedicated well-being centre, provides a calm space for small group, and one-to-one sessions, while Well-being Walks and Buddy Time encourage inclusivity and positive interaction across year groups Weekly pastoral meetings ensure staff are well-informed and responsive to pupils' individual needs.
We also have two dedicated ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), who works closely with pupils to support their emotional well-being through tailored sessions.
Every month, pupils in Upper Court and Upper Court are invited to celebrate their birthdays with the Head at the monthly Birthday Tea. This muchenjoyed tradition is a special time where the children share their birthday news and enjoy a lovely moment of recognition and togetherness.
Children should bring a refillable water bottle each day, which they can take with them into the lunch hall. Fruit and snacks are also provided during morning break at 10:45 am to keep pupils refreshed and energised. Chef Ian and his team ensure that the children are served a nutritious hot lunch To accommodate everyone, the lunch timings alternate between an early slot at 12:55 pm and a late slot at 1:10pm throughout the week. Digestive biscuits are offered to pupils attending afternoon clubs. During Prep Club, held from 4:00 to 5:00 pm in the dining hall, children are served cookies and fruit. A further snack is provided for those staying on for After School Care, run by Après School.
Autumn / Winter
Grey charcoal trousers
White cotton long-sleeve button-up shirt
Grey long socks
Tie
Grey RC jumper Blazer
Autumn / Winter
RC Tunic (Years 3 & 4)
Or grey charcoal trousers
White cotton long-sleeve button-up shirt
RC Tartan skirt and tie (Years 5 & 6)
Grey knee-length socks or grey tights
Grey RC jumper Blazer
Spring / Summer Spring / Summer
Grey charcoal tailored shorts (no cargo shorts)
White cotton short-sleeve button-up shirt
Grey ankle socks
Tie
RC summer dress with white ankle socks (Year 3 – 6)
OR tartan skirt, white plain
revere-neck blouse (shortsleeved for summer), grey kneelength socks (Years 5 & 6)
Or grey charcoal tailored shorts with grey ankle socks, and short-sleeve white button-up
cotton shirt and tie
Black swim shorts
Cricket box
Gumshield (for rugby and hockey)
Black RC Rugby shorts
Black swimsuit
Gumshield (for hockey)
Black RC sport skorts (games)
Indoor trainers
Outdoor trainers
White gym socks PE
White and green PE shirt
Black RC PE shorts
Black flat-soled school shoes
Sport
Green Games Shirt
Green and black striped socks
Football boots
Hockey stick
Shin pads
Cricket shirt (summer)
Cricket trousers (summer)
RC sports bag
Baselayer for cold weather
Swimming
Black swim shorts boys
Towel
RC swim cap
Goggles
RC swimming bag
Forest School
RC Tracksuit pants for Forest School
RC Tracksuit top forest School
Dark- coloured wellington
boots, waterproof jacket and
trousers for forest school
Extras
Green RC beanie
Black gloves
Water bottle
Black RC Fleece
RC school bag
Baseball cap
Green and black hair
accessories
Children return to school in the Autumn Term in Summer Uniform, switching to Winter Uniform after the October half-term as the weather cools. A sweater and coat should also be brought for comfort
The uniform can be purchased at Ripley Court School by appointment. For enquiries, please email shop@ripleycourt.co.uk.
Online orders can be placed via the link here. Or book an appointment to purchase uniform items here
‘Court Seconds' is the Ripley Court Parents' Association (RCPTA) second-hand uniform shop located at Ripley Court School
To purchase second-hand uniforms, please email courtseconds@gmail.com
To ensure the safety of your child’s belongings, it is essential to label every item of kit. We recommend stitching large labels onto each piece, including swimming trunks, towels, PE bags, and swimming bags. Wellington boots should be labelled and stored in lockers or on the outdoor wellie rack.
Named items will be returned to the owner. A large storage unit is located outside the changing rooms in the hall foyer where any unnamed items will be placed.
Children have a Ripley Court backpack that is stored on their assigned peg. It is important to regularly check these backpacks for any notes, newsletters, party invitations, and other relevant items. The backpacks should contain the day's homework, a homework diary, a reading book, and a reading record book. At the start of the year, children are given a plastic wallet to keep all these items organised.
labelled pencil case
Two lead pencils
Pencil sharpener
labelled colouring pencils
Rubber
30cm Flat ruler
Glue stick
Highlighters
Scissors
Protractor
2 x gel pens (for self-assessment)
Rollerball pen (Berol, Pentel or Stabilo) (when they get their pen licence)
Children should not have Tippex
Please do a regular audit to make sure the basics are topped up. Children do not d f lt ti lth gh th ll d
Children often experience minor colds and runny noses, which do not always require them to stay at home. However, if a child is unwell and unable to participate in school activities, we kindly ask that they remain at home to allow them to recover. This helps minimise the risk of spreading infections.
In cases of fever, an upset tummy, or vomiting, we request that children not attend school for 48 hours after the last episode of symptoms If a child becomes unwell during the day, parents will be contacted to arrange for the child to go home This precaution helps ensure the health and well-being of all children and staff
If your child needs to attend an appointment during school hours or is absent due to illness, we kindly ask that you request permission from the Headmaster so that their absence can be accurately recorded. If your child is well enough to attend school but needs to be excused from games or swimming, please email their form teacher stating the reason why.
The Green Calendar provides a comprehensive list of events and fixtures for each term. Children receive a printed copy, known as The Green Card, at the beginning of the Autumn, Spring, and Summer Terms. This information is also available on the school’s website calendar
The Weekly Communication is emailed to parents every Friday afternoon and includes details of the following week’s arrangements, including sports fixtures, an update from the Headmaster, and any important notices. Please refer to The Weekly Communication for the most up-to-date information and to check for any changes to the fixtures and events listed in the Green Calendar In addition, the biweekly newsletter from the Marketing Department is shared via a link included in The Weekly Communication and is also available on the school website. Photos and updated information are posted daily on the school’s social media channels. Event photos can also be found in the Photo Gallery on our website, a secure page accessible only to parents with a password.
Details of current fees and payment options can be found on our website here:
The fees at Ripley Court School cover tuition, books, meals, school travel, and personal accident insurance. However, some items are considered 'extras' and are charged separately. Fees are billed in advance, while extras are billed in arrears.
In addition to standard fees, some optional services and activities incur separate charges, including:
Items the children will keep, such as calculators and certain optional revision guides, some presentation items such as certain badges and engraving of trophies. Lost and damaged text or exercise books, morning minibus service, afternoon minibus service, external exam entries (e.g., English-Speaking Board), Breakfast Club, short trips, outings and workshops, and residential trips.
Breakfast Club: £5 per morning, offering a convenient early drop-off and breakfast for children.
After School Club: The daily after-school care programme, available for children in Years 3 to 6, provides a safe environment after school hours. The programme runs from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm each day. It is run by Après School and is bookable and payable directly through them
Learning Support Tuition: Additional fees may apply if specialised learning support is required. Costs are determined based on individual needs and arrangements.
Optional School Fees Insurance: Available to cover unforeseen circumstances affecting the payment of school fees Pricing varies based on the selected coverage and terms.
A diverse range of before, during, and after-school clubs is available to Upper Court children, bookable termly at an additional charge. Some clubs are billed directly by external providers, while others are managed by the school. Examples of these are private music lessons with our peripatetic teachers, and optional after school clubs that vary throughout the year. Detailed information on costs and payment arrangements will be provided for each service or activity.
Full details of after-school clubs can be found in the clubs’ calendar.
The after-school care programme, run by Après School, is available from 5pm to 6pm for children in Upper Court.
The after-school care is led by Wendy and Idy, with support from Après School’s General Manager, Lindsay, who oversees all the settings and provides central guidance.
Après School is an Ofsted-registered provider, and Parents can take advantage of Childcare Vouchers and the Tax-Free Childcare scheme. For assistance with these payment options, please contact Après School directly at hello@apres-school.co.uk.
All bookings are made via Magicbooking, a simple and flexible online platform. Please register for your free account via the booking system here.
Through Magicbooking, families can:
Book at any time: Sessions are available to book 24/7
Choose flexible payment options – Including monthly instalments and the use of childcare vouchers
Access discounts: Apply eligible offers, such as sibling or block-booking discounts.
Children should be collected from the Newte Building, where a member of staff will assist with gathering belongings and signing each child out to their parent.
For more information, parents are encouraged to consult the FAQs document, which covers a range of common queries.
For general enquiries, or to let us know about a change of circumstances, please email Miss Lindsay at lindsay@apres-school.co.uk
To cancel or change a booking, please do this via your account. Credit is applied automatically if 24 hours notice is given.
For feedback or concerns, feel free to reach out to the team at helpdesk@apres-school.co.uk
Morning Service Walton-on-Thames to Ripley Court School
07:40
Stompond Lane, Walton-on-Thames (Tennis Club)
08:25 Ripley Court School
Afternoon Service Ripley Court School to Walton-on-Thames
17:00 Depart Ripley Court School
17:20 Bus stop opposite Waitrose, Cobham*
17:30
Stompond Lane, Walton-on-Thames (Tennis Club)
*Please note: The Cobham stop is temporarily unavailable due to ongoing A3 roadworks This stop will resume once works are complete Additional stops may be added depending on demand; however, there is currently insufficient interest to extend the route.
7:50 Queens Road, Weybridge (by the Cricket Ground)
West Byfleet – Opposite Waitrose (exact time confirmed upon booking)
Pyrford – Village Hall Bus Stop (exact time confirmed upon booking)
To enquire about availability, pricing, or to request a space on the school bus, please contact the school office at admin@ripleycourt.co.uk
We believe in open, regular communication with parents and are committed to ensuring the very best for every child From the very first day, we strive to create a welcoming, family atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported If you have any concerns or issues, we are here to help and will do our best to resolve them promptly. Your child’s form teacher should be your first point of contact for day-to-day matters or general queries In cases where you require further assistance, Mr Steve Brunning, Head of Upper Court (Years 3 – 6) (brunnings@ripleycourt.co.uk) is available to address your concerns. He can provide additional support and guidance as needed.
In extreme cases, you may contact the Headmaster for more serious or urgent matters.
For subject-specific concerns, please contact the relevant subject teacher
We are incredibly fortunate at Ripley Court to have such a supportive and engaged parent community. The Ripley Court Parent Teacher Association (RCPTA), made up of parent and staff representatives, plays an active role in supporting the school through a variety of fundraising initiatives and community events held throughout the year. Under the capable leadership of Mrs Patrick-Abbot, our RCPTA Chair, and with the valuable support of our Parent Reps, their efforts greatly enhance school life.
Recent fundraising has contributed to the development of our Little Court Outdoor Classroom, the creation of a new STEM room, for pupils in both Little Court and Upper Court, and the purchase of 20 iPads to support and enrich learning across the school.
Parents can look forward to a calendar of events that support both fundraising and community spirit. We warmly encourage all parents to visit the RCPTA page on our website to view upcoming dates and find out how you might like to get involved. Even the smallest contribution of time or help makes a meaningful difference.
If you would like to offer your support in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the parent representative for your child’s class.
