At Ridgeway Secondary School, we are committed to fostering the talents of our most gifted and dedicated students, this maybe in fields such as sport, acting, and singing. We believe in the importance of nurturing excellence, not just in the classroom, but also in the areas where our students shine outside of it. Our tailored support system helps elite performers thrive both in their chosen disciplines and in their academic studies, ensuring they can balance their passions with their educational commitments.
Individual Mentorship: Tailored Support for Success
To ensure our elite performers have the guidance they need, each student is paired with a dedicated mentor within the school. This mentor is there to help them navigate the demands of both their artistic or sporting commitments and their academic responsibilities. From offering practical advice on time management to helping with stress management and ensuring a healthy school-life balance, our mentors work closely with each student to support their personal and academic growth.
Our mentors provide ongoing support to ensure students remain focused, organised, and are not overwhelmed by the demands placed on them. They will help with managing tight schedules, prioritising tasks, and maintaining a clear sense of direction throughout the year. Whether it’s preparing for an important sports competition, a theatre performance, or a singing audition, our mentors will be there to guide, advise, and encourage every step of the way.
Public Recognition of Achievement
We believe that achievement should be celebrated, and our elite performers are no exception. Each student who shows exceptional ability and dedication in their chosen field will receive a special badge that recognizes their outstanding contributions. This badge serves not only as a symbol of their achievement but also as a public recognition of their hard work, commitment, and talent. Worn with pride, this badge is a testament to the dedication they have shown to their craft and to Ridgeway Secondary School. In PE lessons those who are identified as elite performers will wear a PE kit to symbolise this status and recognise their achievements.
Academic Support: Balancing Passion with Studies
At Ridgeway, we understand that success in the arts or sport often requires time and effort beyond the classroom, but we also know that academic excellence is equally important. Our school’s approach to supporting elite performers includes a flexible and understanding approach to deadlines and coursework. We ensure that our talented students can manage the dual demands of their extracurricular commitments and their academic responsibilities.
Through clear communication with teachers, tailored study support, and a structured approach to meeting deadlines, we help our students stay on top of their academic work. Should extra time or alternative arrangements be needed, our staff will work with each student to ensure they are able to complete assignments and exams without compromising their artistic or athletic pursuits.
Access to Funding and Opportunities
We recognise that pursuing excellence in sport, acting, or singing often comes with significant costs, whether it’s for lessons, equipment, or attending competitions and events. To help remove financial barriers, Ridgeway Secondary School actively signposts elite performers to available funding streams and scholarships that can help support their development. Whether it’s accessing grants for tuition, travel for competitions, or specific resources to enhance their skills, our school provides the guidance and information necessary for students to explore these opportunities.
Our aim is to ensure that every student with the talent and drive to excel has the resources they need to succeed in their chosen field. By supporting students in accessing funding and other resources, we aim to provide them with the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential.
At Ridgeway Secondary School, we are proud to be a school that not only values academic excellence but also recognises and nurtures the unique talents of our elite performers. Through personalised mentorship, public recognition, academic flexibility, and access to funding, we strive to create an environment where every talented student can flourish both on stage, on the field, and in the classroom.
If you are an aspiring athlete, actor, or singer looking to develop your skills and achieve greatness, Ridgeway Secondary School is here to support you every step of the way.
Student Profiles:
Year 7:
Skye McDonald
Skye has a passion for all things musical and thrives on stage performing, whether this be singing, acting or playing the piano. She undergoes regular vocal training at TopBox Studios, where she recently received a distinction level pass in her Musical Theatre exam, with Trinity College London.
Performing twice a year in their Voices on Stage concerts, this is a wonderful opportunity for her to show her talent to the public. Skye adores musical theatre, and has performed in several productions with TopBox Studios; School of Rock, Frozen Junior (Middle Anna) and Shrek Junior, before becoming a member of the Palace Youth Theatre, and joining productions of We Will Rock You, The Addams Family and Footloose. She attends weekly sessions and additional principal rehearsals.
Additionally, Skye has played the piano since she was 5 years old, attending weekly lessons and recently achieved another distinction pass in her latest exam with London College of Music.
Ambitions for the future:
Skye hopes to entwine all of the above passions to continue her performing journey and secure great roles in her future productions. She hopes to sing for larger audiences and share her musical passion with the rest of the world. Above all, this is something that makes her extremely happy.
Mia Pardoe
Mia plays for the Professional Football Academy at Aston Villa, the photography above shows Mia after signing her contract with the club. She trains twice a week for a total of 5 hours and has Saturday as her game day. Mia is dedicated to the club, and her short-term goal is to continue to secure the 12-month contract with Aston Villa year-on-year.
Mia’s end goal is to become a professional female footballer and would relish the opportunity to represent her Country.
Lissy Carroll
Lissy has been a member of Redditch Stagecoach since the age of 6. This includes Singing Dancing and Acting. She attends for three hours on a Saturday morning and three hours on a Thursday evening. She performs every term in a small production and once every two years at the Drama School production at the Palace Theatre.
At the Palace theatre she has performed in We Will Rock You, The Addams Family and this year has auditioned for one of the main parts in Seussical Jr and has been awarded a main role as Horton the Elephant. This will involve additional rehearsals throughout the next 4 months.
Lissy has also performed as the youngest member of the team this year at Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End. Performing a medley of singing and dancing to Michael Jackson songs. Next year the school is working towards a production at the O2 arena in London.
Ambitions for the future:
Lissy would like to continue with her performing with Stagecoach and audition for further productions. Her passion is within the acting arena and she would love to complete Drama for her GCSE’s if offered, and further education with an aim to making a career out of acting whether on stage or screen.
Sophie Case
Sophie is a talented middle-distance runner. She has won the district cross country 3 years in a row and last year was selected to run for the Worcestershire team at the national cross-country champs. She has won the district 1200m on the track 2 years in a row and last year set an age group record for Redditch. Soph trains with Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club.
She is also a talented footballer, playing for Redditch Borough U12s. Last year Soph played for the Astwood Bank Y6 team who reached the national primary finals, representing the Midlands. Last season Soph won the Manager’s Player award for the Redditch Borough U11s.
Ambitions for the future:
Sophie would like to run in the Olympics one day but would also be happy with a career as a professional footballer!
Jacob Lavender
Jacob is an exceptionally dedicated young athlete. As a highly committed member of Pershore Swimming Club, he consistently demonstrates maturity, discipline and an impressive work ethic well beyond his years. Jacob currently trains five times a week and is actively seeking to increase his training load as he progresses. His willingness to push himself and embrace new challenges is a defining strength.
Jacob already competes confidently at county level and should achieve regional success in the near future, with a clear long-term goal of reaching national level.
These are not just aspirational dreams-Jacob backs them with consistent effort, hard work and a genuine passion for sport.
Beyond his technical ability, Jacob brings a positive, respectful and quietly determined presence to every training session. He is a supportive teammate and natural role model for younger swimmers.
Florrence Farr
U12’s and training with FDC. She trains for three and half hours a week across the different clubs, playing matches for Coventry on Saturdays and on Sundays for Redditch Borough Boys. Florence has won an incredible 41 medals and 6 trophies. In Year 6 Florence was captain for Astwood Bank Primary School, winning the District and County Cup representing the school in the National Finals at Stoke City Stadium. Her biggest acheivement so far is representing Coventry CIty in a tournament and playing against; Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton, Derby County and New York City Academies.
Florence wants to become a professional football player and play for her favourite team Arsenal. To do this she knows she needs to train hard and continue to learn new skills and keep improving every time she plays!
Willow Harland
Willow has been taking part in gymnastics since she was 4 years old, competing in her first competition at only 7 years old for her club and coming 1st place. She has competed in many competitions over the years but completed her first County competition this year; achieving 4th place on the floor, 3rd on the beam and 2nd on the vault. Willow trains for nearly ten hours a week and is working towards competing in her first-grade competition in 2026.
Willow’s ambitions for the future are to carry on with gymnastics in whatever form that takes, with her most desired goal being to complete gymnastics at college to a high level. Alternatively, Willow would like to become a coach for elite athletes.
Emilia Jones
Emilia currently attends the Worcestershire Gymnastics Academy and proud to be part of their squad. She has represented the club in regional teams and Individual County Championships. Emilia is currently completing her grades and next year 2026 will be completing grade 4.
Emilia has been taking part in gymnastics since she was 4 years old and her ambition for the future is to complete all the grades, continue to learn new skills and take part in many different competitions. In 2024 Emilia won gold medal and the title of 10-12 year old Intermediate Novice Champion for West Midlands.
Freya Stobie
Freya competes Nationally in British Ice-Skating (BIS). She has competed in U9 and now starting in Girls U10/11.
Freya would like to continue training and competing and aiming for top 3 finishes. She has also shown an interest in training for Ice-skating shows.
Lucy Sabin-Williams
I’ve been doing dancing soles 4 years old I am in Grade 1 and I attend the Lucy Jones School of Dance. I am in the performance team I have performed at Nottingham Can You Dance, the Astwood Bank carnival, and the Palace Theatre for the Redditch Got To Dance. Dances I do are ballet, tap, freestyle, river dance, and acro. I have recently performed at the NEC in Birmingham.
Ambitions for the future: I have always wanted to perform at the Blackpool Tower. I would like to go to performance arts college and perhaps become a dance teacher.
Year 8:
Pippa Woodward – County Cricketer
Sporting Achievements: Pippa has represented Worcestershire County Cricket Club for 3 consecutive seasons most recently being selected for the U13 squad. She recieved an award for ‘Bowler of the Year’ and represents Astwood Bank Cricket Club and plays a year group above herself.
Ambitions for the future: Pippa would like to continue playing for county and continue to progress into the ladies section at Astwood Bank Cricket Club. Her long term aim is to become a PE teacher and share her passion for PE.
Jasper Wynne – National Swimmer
Jasper swims in the performance squad at Royal Wolverhampton Performance Swimming Club, training 7 days a week for a total of 16-18 hours. He has competed at Worcestershire County Championships, West Midland Regional, Championships and Welsh National Championships. In 2025 Jasper was the Welsh National Champion for the 100m breaststroke and came 2nd in the 200m breaststroke for his age. He has been selected for the Regional Development pathway in the West Midlands. Jasper’s talents do not stop there he also does, platform diving at Sandwell every week and enjoys playing badminton every week at The Badminton Centre. Last year he also qualified for the National Cross Country Championships.
Ambitions for the future:
Jasper is trying to achieve qualification times to compete at the British National Championships. And would love to make the Welsh team for the junior commonwealth games in 2027 in Malta.
Nevaeh Johnson – Street Dancer
Sporting Achievements: Nevaeh Johnson, a Year 7 student, has demonstrated remarkable prowess in her dancing career. She has consistently secured 1st place in all group competitions, achieved an impressive 3rd place in her duo, and ranked 7th out of 44 at the world championships.
Ambitions for the future: In the future, Nevaeh aspires to achieve a top-three placement at the world championships and to maintain her team’s winning streak in regular competitions.
Maisie Donoghue – West Bromwich Albion PDA
Sporting Achievements: Maisie currently plays football for Redditch Kingfisher youth under 13 team. Playing for the age group above her own.
After successful trials she was selected to join the West Bromwich Albion football club PDA academy. Maisie has also been part of the Birmingham City academy and also attended Aston Villa Trials making it through to the final stage, gaining her valuable experience in playing football at a higher level. Maisie is quite an all-rounder when it comes to anything sports. Representing Ridgeway for many sports including cross country where she recently made it to the county finals!
Ambitions for the future: Maisie is working hard developing her skills and natural talent to pursue a career in professional football, where her ultimate goal is to become a future lioness and be a role model for girls that want to play football.
Year 9:
Ollie Carroll
Tier 2 Football Academy
Ollie has been signed to Coventry City Football Club academy since the age of 12.
He is on the Academy pathway under the Elite Player Performance plan. Not only
does he play for his own age group but regularly starts for both U15’s and U16’s.
He trains for three hours on a Monday and Wednesday and has day release from
school on a Friday and this session lasts from 1330 hrs until 2000hrs. This includes
two sessions of training and education sessions to keep up with his school studies.
His matches are usually on a Sunday unless playing for older age groups which tend
to be midweek. He plays teams all around the country, these include Tier 1 academies such as Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Ambitions for the Future:
Ollie would like to play professional football for a career in the long term. He wants to focus on attaining a scholarship with Coventry in the next two years and continue to improve his footballing ability as well as attaining Sports related qualifications including his coaching badges. His short-term goal is to aim to be included in an U18’s fixture.
Another short-term goal is to help his school team (Yr9 & 10’s) continue their winning
streaks in football and hopefully challenge for a cup.
Alfie Holt – County Cricketer and Rugby Player
Sporting Achievements: Alfie currently plays both rugby and cricket at a high level. Representing Worcestershire CCC at U13 he is a capable all rounder and also represents Astwood Bank Cricket Club. In Rugby Alfie plays for a team in Leicestershire and represented his team in one of the most prestigious national rugby competitions for young players. His team achieved 2nd (runners up) in this competition which featured 30 teams from around Great Britain and Ireland.
Ambitions for the future: Alfie would like to receive a sporting scholarship later in his education and go on to play professional sport.
Hugo Smith – County Cricketer
Sporting Achievements: Hugo has represented Worcestershire County Cricket Club for 5 continuous years, he continues to go from strength to strength and also represents Astwood Bank Cricket Club along with some other talented sports people in the year group. Hugo has notably taken 6 wickets in an over in 6 balls which in itself is an incredible achievement. He continues to represent the school in a range of activities and will also begin to soon play adult cricket.
Ambitions for the future: Hugo wants to pursue a career in professional cricket and would love to travel around the world representing both club and county.
Dolcie Gilroy – County Cricketer
Sporting Achievements: Dolcie represents Worcestershire County Cricket Club U13’s and has recently been selected to represent the U14’s this season. She has also represented Astwood Bank Cricket Club for U11’s through to U15’s and the ladies second team. She is a keen sportswoman and is able across the curriculum in netball, athletics and represents the school football team. She was part of an undefeated team of county cricketers last year where they won the WCB competition without defeat.
Ambitions for the future:
Dolcie would ultimately like to play professional cricket. On her way to achieving this long term goal she is aiming to play an age group higher than her own for Worcestershire and take 20 wickets in one season.
Sienna Carter – National Dance Champion
Sienna trains at a high level across several associate programmes, including London Studio Centre, Rutleigh Norris School of Dance, Inferno Dance Complex, Perform Like a Pro, and The Dance Factory. Sienna is working on RAD Grade 6 and Vocational Ballet, and regularly trains in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and commercial. Sienna also takes singing lessons at Gumbleys Music School and sings with Musical Youth Group. Sienna has performed on big stages like Can You Dance? and The Super Weekender, and is always trying to push herself to get better.
Ambitions for the future:
Dance is honestly one of the biggest parts of Sienna’s life. Sienna loves training, performing, and learning new styles, and is always trying to improve her technique and confidence. Sienna wants to keep moving up through her associate programmes, get stronger in ballet and contemporary, and eventually work towards a career in dance and performing. Sienna also loves singing and musical theatre, so she’d like to keep developing those skills too.
Being part of the Elite Performers Programme again would really help Sienna balance everything, and she’d be happy to get involved in any performances or even help younger students who are starting out. Sienna just wants to keep improving and do as much as she can in something she loves.
Kyra Lea Connolly
Sporting Achievements: Kyra has been performing at her dance academy for three years. During this time, she has competed in numerous competitions, showcasing her talent and dedication. Last year, Kyra qualified for the World Championships in the duo, trio, and team categories. This year, she reached a significant milestone by qualifying for the World Championships in the solo category, where she placed fourth out of approximately 70 participants. It was her first time reaching the finals and securing a placement for her solo performance. Additionally, Kyra qualified for the intermediate category with her team and emerged victorious. Her duo also qualified, securing second place. Beyond dancing, Kyra dedicates 1 hour and 30 minutes every Wednesday night to netball with her team (the B team), and they play matches every Sunday.
Ambitions for the future: Looking ahead, Kyra’s primary ambition is to reach the finals at the UDO World Championships, which would be a monumental achievement for her. She also aspires to advance in netball by earning a spot on the A team.
Bella Ferris – National Artistic Gymnast
Sporting Achievements: Bella, a Year 8 national artistic gymnast, has an impressive record of accomplishments. In 2024, she secured first place in the National Novice Intermediate competition, excelling with first-place finishes on bars and floor, and a second-place finish on vault. She also achieved second place on floor in the Regional Teams competition. Bella’s success continued with first-place overall finishes in her club competitions for both 2024 and 2023. In 2023, she earned second place on beam and second overall in team events, as well as first place on floor and beam in the National County competition. Additionally, she placed fifth in the National Novice Beginner category in 2023. Bella has had the privilege of training alongside top British and Olympic gymnasts, further honing her skills.
Ambitions for the Future: Looking ahead, Bella aims to win the Advanced Novice competition in 2025. She is also eager to embark on coaching courses, aspiring to take on leadership roles and share her passion for gymnastics by teaching others. Bella’s dedication and ambition continue to drive her towards new goals and achievements in her gymnastics journey.
Year 10:
Sam Searle
Sam has represented rugby union at school, club and progressing to Regional Level. He chosen and competed at regional trials in the Summer 2025 and was awarded a place in the Gloucester Rugby U15’s academy pathway, in a very prestigious premiership team. Sam was one of a limited number of boys selected from over 800 to take part in the trials, which is an amasing achievement. He trains every Monday at Stourport College. Sam is dedicated and passionate about rugby which is also shown through also training at club level twice a week and representing the Alcester RFC U15’s. For both clubs a big emphasis is placed on respect and continuous development.
Sam’s ambitions for the future are to continue in the Gloucester Academy into the U16’s stage and hopefully gain access to the Hartbury College 6th Form to study. He is focused on achieving great GCSE results to continue his journey in education and enter university and continue his rugby goals. One day Sam hopes to play rugby for Wales however if they ask very nicely, he will play for England!
Megan Hanmer
Worcestershire County Cricket Club – selected for U16 Girls and EPP 2025/6Northamptonshire County Cricket Club – represented at U11, U13 and U15 Girls
Ambitions for the future:
To take a fifer playing for Worcestershire Rapids!
Harry Bull
Harry Represents Worcester City in the JPL at U15’s & U16’s age groups – playing a year
up, in the national league.
The U15’s play in the Junior Premier League midlands league & matches can be local & as far as Stoke, the U16’s play in the Junior Premier League national league, Harry travelled to Boston, Lincolnshire a couple of weeks ago & has a game in Kettering before Christmas.
The first two photos are with the U15s, the last photo was from Saturday with the U16s
Ambitions for the future:
To play for the Worcester City first team
Florrie Bayliss – National Artistic Gymnast
Sporting Achievements: Florrie has demonstrated remarkable prowess in gymnastics, achieving notable placements in various competitions. In the 2023 County Novice Competition, she secured 2nd place overall. At the 2023 National Teams Apparatus Competition, she excelled by earning 2nd place on vault. During the 2024 Grades County Competition (Preparation 2), she achieved 6th place all-around and 2nd place on vault. Her success continued in the 2024 Club Competition, where she claimed 1st place overall. Additionally, in the 2024 Teams Apparatus Competition, she attained 2nd place overall and 3rd place on vault. Beyond her competitive achievements, Florrie has also taken on the role of coaching her own group, showcasing her leadership and dedication to the sport.
Ambitions for the future: In the short term, Florrie aspires to achieve first place on vault in her age category at both National and County levels. Her long-term goal is to compete in the prestigious British Championships.
Lincoln Perryman – Pistol Shooter and Tetrathlon
Sporting Achievements: Lincoln was ranked 20th in the country in 2023 across all ages for pistol shooting. He placed 5th in the country this year and scored a perfect schore in Monmouth School Sports Competition for Pony Triathlon. As well as this he placed 11th in a national competition sponsored by JCB later last year.
Ambitions for the future: Lincoln would like to continue taking his skill in both triathlon and tetrathlons further and start to specify more into the world of show jumping hoping to potentially make it into a career further down the line. His biggest ambition is to become the first youth male competitor to win the schools pistol championships.
Felix Winn : Actor
Performing Achievements: Felix is a talented performer both musically and on stage in the world of acting. HIs achievements range from taking the stage in productions such as: RENT, Elf, Frozen, Shrek the Musical and Aladdin as well as most recently being cast in a short film that is due for release in December 2024 called Meeting Point. A link for the film is here: Meeting Point | Official Short Film | Five-Fifteen Productions
Ambitions for the future: After completing his GCSE’s he would like to go on to study performing arts and gain further experience in the world of acting, he would like to make it his career and take his acting prowess to the next level by featuring in full length films.
Peggy Chute : Actor and Singer
Performing Achievements: Peggy is a talented singer and has been recognised at a high level by passing prestigious singing qualifications and exams. She is regular performer outside of school both in theatre productions and vocal ensembles. She is a member of the school choir and is a keen lover of music.
Ambitions for the future: Peggy would like to achieve her dream of acting and singing in the West End, she is determined to keep securing lead roles in musicals outside of school to give her the opportunity to be noticed for larger productions in the future.
Darcie Farr – Dancer
Achievements:
Darcie Farr has been passionate about dance since the age of three. She has had the honor of performing at the Birmingham Hippodrome three times and has been a regular performer in the annual shows at the Palace Theatre in Redditch. Darcie has showcased her talent in numerous competitions, participating in solo, trio, and troupe dances. She is currently at grade 3 in tap and grade 4 in ballet, having passed all her ballet and tap exams with highly commended or honors. Additionally, Darcie has participated in the Astwood Bank Carnival with her dance school and volunteers to assist younger members of the dance school as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award. She also teaches a lunchtime club for year 7 students.
Ambitions:
Looking ahead, Darcie aims to continue advancing her dance skills and achieve higher grades in both tap and ballet. She aspires to perform on larger stages and in more prestigious competitions, further honing her craft. Darcie is also passionate about teaching and hopes to inspire the next generation of dancers by supporting others to share the same passion for dance.
Francesca Warhurst – Dancer
Sporting Achievements:
In recent weeks, Francesca has successfully passed her IDTA Grade 3 ballet and tap exams, as well as her 2nd gold bar in freestyle. She has showcased her talent at various conventions, including Can You Dance? Super Conventions in Liverpool, Redditch Gotta Dance, and Chance 2 Dance at Alton Towers. Currently, Francesca is preparing for upcoming performances at Glastonbeoley with her Performance Team. She also participates in annual shows for her dance school, assists younger dancers, and has recently been selected for the ballet pointe class.
Ambitions for the Future:
Francesca aims to continue her training at Lucy Jane’s School of Dance and is considering pursuing performing arts courses at college after completing her GCSEs.
Year 11
Sam Drumm – County Cricketer
Sporting Achievements: Sam is a talented young cricketer having represented both Worcestershire and Herefordshire he continues to play cricket at a high level as an all rounder. He has represented county squads for four consecutive years and is has been selected to play a year group above his age at a number of Taunton festivals where all major counties compete in a multi day festival. Sam also has passions for other sports and is a GCSE PE student where he is currently developing a passion for the theory side of PE.
Ambitions for the future: Sam would like to pursue becoming a professional cricketer and play for England, his main goal is to open the bowling in an Ashes series.
Chloe Coffin – Artistic Gymnast
Sporting Achievements: Chloe has demonstrated remarkable dedication to gymnastics by transitioning to a new club, leaving behind friends and a familiar environment after over a decade. Despite missing her former club, she has thrived, training over 15 hours a week and participating in numerous new competitions. Chloe’s accomplishments include winning gold on vault and bars, silver on floor and overall, and bronze on beam at the national individual competition. Since her move, she has mastered new skills such as giants on the wooden bar and the Tsukahara vault. Additionally, Chloe has successfully completed all her grades, which she began in 2019.
Ambitions for the future: With her grades now completed, Chloe is ambitiously working towards the FIG program, aspiring to compete in the prestigious British Championships. Her immediate focus is on preparing for The Jim Moss English Championships, setting challenging goals to achieve by June. Chloe’s next targets include perfecting the flic-flic on the competition beam and executing a 1 1/2 back twist into a front tuck on the floor. Her dedication and drive continue to propel her towards new heights in her gymnastics career.
