On Friday 2nd May, Ridgeway Secondary School proudly welcomed England and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton to meet students in our Elite Performer Programme. A role model for aspiring athletes, Hannah shared her inspiring journey from grassroots football to the international stage, offering personal advice and encouragement to our young sports stars.
Hannah spent time with students discussing the highs and lows of elite sport, the importance of resilience, and how to stay focused through challenges. Her message was clear: success comes from dedication, hard work, and a strong support network. Our elite performers were inspired by her authenticity and insight, leaving the session feeling empowered and more determined than ever to pursue their dreams.
This memorable visit was part of Ridgeway’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of exceptional talent — a vision embodied in our Elite Performer Programme.
The Elite Performer Programme at Ridgeway Secondary School
At Ridgeway Secondary School, we are proud to support the most talented and dedicated students in areas such as sport, acting, and singing. Our Elite Performer Programme is designed to help students thrive not just in the classroom, but in their chosen fields of excellence.
Every elite performer is paired with a dedicated school mentor who provides personalised guidance. Mentors help students navigate the challenges of balancing performance schedules with academic commitments, offering practical advice on time management, stress reduction, and school-life balance.
This one-to-one support ensures our students stay organised and confident, whether they’re preparing for a major sports competition, stage production, or audition.
At Ridgeway Secondary School, we believe in developing well-rounded individuals — not only academically, but in every area where they shine. Through mentorship, recognition, support, and opportunity, our Elite Performer Programme empowers students to dream big, work hard, and reach their full potential.
Inspired by Hannah Hampton’s visit and ready to take the next step? Ridgeway is the place where talent meets opportunity.
We are also extremely proud to celebrate the achievements of our students outside the classroom. Over the Easter break, Katie and Izzy represented the school at Rectory Farm NSEA Equestrian event, doing an amazing job and showing great determination and sportsmanship.
Katie competed in the 60cm class with her pony, Mya. It was their first time competing in the big arena, and although Mya was a little hesitant at the first jump, Katie showed real perseverance to get her over it. Despite being eliminated after a third refusal later in the round, Katie’s bravery and determination to tackle the bigger course was fantastic to see — a brilliant effort!
Izzy had an outstanding day, delivering a speedy and skilful round in the 60cm class to place 4th out of a huge field of 40 competitors — and qualify for the NSEA Championships at Hickstead later this year! She also completed a fantastic 70cm round, finishing 11th out of a large class of 30, with just one refusal along the way. Watch this space!
We would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Hoskin for all her hard work in creating and leading our equestrian team, and to the families who support our riders so brilliantly. We are incredibly proud of Katie and Izzy for their commitment and spirit, and their smart saddle pads looked brilliant! They are already looking forward to getting back out in the ring alongside teammates Tallulah and Jess in upcoming events.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new initiative at Ridgeway Secondary School, aimed at promoting girls’ participation in football. This groundbreaking programme is part of the Barclaycard and FA Girls Football Activator training, a nationwide effort to inspire and empower young women to take up leadership roles and grow their love for the sport.
On Tuesday 14th January, a select group of enthusiastic Year 8 students began their journey as Football Activators. These young leaders have embraced this unique opportunity to develop their skills in leadership, teamwork, and sports advocacy. Over the coming weeks and months, they will play an integral role in promoting football within our school and across our Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) primary schools.
The Football Activator training equips our students with the tools and confidence to inspire others. By hosting football sessions, mentoring younger pupils, and championing inclusivity in sports, they will be at the forefront of creating a supportive environment where girls of all ages can thrive on and off the pitch.
At Ridgeway Secondary School, we are passionate about fostering leadership and empowerment. This initiative perfectly aligns with our commitment to building confidence and resilience in our students. We are proud of our Year 8 trailblazers and look forward to seeing the impact of their work as they engage with their peers and younger students in our MAT community.
We believe this programme will not only enhance participation in football but also instill a sense of pride and belonging, encouraging girls to embrace new challenges and break down barriers.
Stay tuned for updates as our Football Activators kick off this exciting new chapter, bringing energy, inspiration, and teamwork to Ridgeway Secondary School and beyond!
On Monday, 25th November, our school community gathered for a memorable Celebration Evening, welcoming back the Class of 2024 alongside their families. This special event was a tribute to their outstanding GCSE results, which set a new benchmark for academic achievement in our school’s history.
The evening was filled with pride, gratitude, and inspiration. Headteacher Mr. Ball opened the event with an engaging speech, praising the students’ exceptional hard work and determination to succeed. “This evening is a celebration not only of your results but of the journey you took to achieve them,” he remarked. “Your resilience, dedication, and ambition have set an example for all who follow in your footsteps.”
A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt speech by Alex O, a Year 8 student who spoke passionately about how the Class of 2024 had become a source of inspiration for younger students. “You’ve shown us what is possible with effort and belief,” Alex said. “We look up to you as proof that great things come from pushing ourselves and never giving up.”
Claire Torrington, Chair of Governors, also took to the stage to commend the collaborative effort behind this success. She extended her gratitude to the entire staff body, whose unwavering support and commitment played a vital role in the students’ achievements. “These results reflect a partnership between dedicated educators and driven students,” she noted. “This is a proud moment for everyone involved in our school community.”
The school choir added to the festive atmosphere with beautiful musical performances that left the audience captivated. The evening concluded with an opportunity for students, staff, and families to reconnect and share stories about the students’ exciting Post-16 journeys, whether in further education, apprenticeships, or other paths.
The Celebration Evening was a testament to what can be achieved through determination, teamwork, and a supportive community. To the Class of 2024—thank you for inspiring us all, and we wish you continued success in the bright futures ahead!
Recognising Individual Achievements
As part of the evening’s celebrations, we took the time to recognise the exceptional attainment and progress made by our students across all subject areas. Each student received individual praise, with staff offering thoughtful comments on their achievements, work ethic, and the personal growth they have shown during their time at Ridgeway Secondary School. It was a truly inspiring moment, as we acknowledged the diversity of talent and the varied paths our students have taken on their academic journeys.
Ridgeway 360 Awards
Our school values were also front and centre as we celebrated the efforts of students who have consistently embodied the principles that make our school a thriving and supportive community. The Ridgeway 360 awards were presented to four exceptional students who excelled in different aspects of our school ethos:
Alex W was awarded the ‘Mental’ Award, which recognises students who embrace challenge with resilience and a growth mindset. Alex has demonstrated an outstanding ability to take on new challenges, approach problems with determination, and remain focused on achieving his goals.
Brooke received the ‘Physical’ Award, recognising her dedication to sports and her unwavering support of the PE department. Her enthusiasm and commitment to physical activity have not only enhanced her own skills but have also inspired others around her to stay active and involved.
Mia W was honoured with the ‘Social’ Award, a tribute to her exceptional interpersonal skills and the positive influence she has had on those around her. Mia’s kind and approachable nature has made her a popular figure among her peers, and her ability to build strong, supportive relationships is truly commendable.
Rhys was presented with the ‘Academic’ Award for his outstanding results and dedication to his studies. Rhys’ hard work and commitment to excellence have paid off, and he has set a shining example for others to follow in terms of academic achievement.
Overall ‘R360’ Award Winner – Oliver K
We were also thrilled to announce Oliver K as the overall winner of the ‘R360’ Award, recognising him for fully embodying all the values of our school. Oliver has consistently demonstrated an incredible balance of mental resilience, physical commitment, social awareness, and academic excellence. His ability to embrace every challenge with a positive mindset, contribute to the school community in numerous ways, and excel academically makes him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
We are incredibly proud of all our GCSE students, and it was a privilege to celebrate their achievements with such a supportive community. As we look ahead to their next steps, we know that each student is well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Congratulations once again to all of our students on their outstanding achievements!
