Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy
Ashton Road, Lancaster, LA1 4RSOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy is a secondary school in Lancaster for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 692 schools in Lancashire. It ranks 1st of 5 secondary schools in Lancaster. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in December 2022.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 14 December 2022, report published 8 February 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Sixth form provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 14 December 2022
At Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy, leaders and staff have created an inspirational environment. Pupils, and students in the sixth form, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), flourish academically, personally and spiritually. Pupils and students are highly articulate, self-motivated and determined to succeed. They try their very best. Pupils and students leave the school confident and exceptionally well prepared to take their place in a modern society. Pupils and students told inspectors that they feel safe and happy in school. They are prepared to be advocates for their peers and they know that leaders listen to and act upon their views. Pupils and students told inspectors that the very rare incidents of bullying are dealt with swiftly and effectively. The behaviour of pupils and students is exemplary. The quality of pastoral support that staff provide for pupils and students is a key strength of the school. Leaders and staff have very high expectations of pupils' and students' achievement. Pupils and students admirably rise to these expectations. They also appreciate the wide range of activities provided for them, both in school and beyond the school gates. For example, they spoke with enthusiasm about the clubs that they attend, such as dance club, farm club and the Combined Cadet Force, as well as extensive opportunities to get involved in sports and music.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
276 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
144 students
Average A level grade C+, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,755 pupils on roll, with places for 1,754
Schools near Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamea Al Kauthar | 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 49.3 |
| Lancaster Girls' Grammar School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 73.4 |
| Lancaster Royal Grammar School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 74.1 |
| Our Lady's Catholic College | 1 mile | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 41.3 |
| Lancaster High School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 35.6 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE BAY LEARNING TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Helen Best and Ms Alexia Barnes
- Phone
- 0152464496
- Address
- Ashton Road, Lancaster, LA1 4RS
- Local authority
- Lancashire
- URN
- 136731
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.