Non-selective Independent College in Medway, Kent

Our students tell us it’s cool to study hard at RIC and that they feel at home here. They feel comfortable in their own clothes, confident in their own skins. 

The Independent Schools Inspectorate judged that the personal development and behaviour of RIC students was “excellent,” saying: “The use of first names and informal attire generate a relaxed environment. Sanctions are few in an atmosphere which values respect highly, and rudeness is not tolerated.” 

We welcome everyone who has the desire and motivation to excel, not just those who have passed the 11+. All class sizes are small, the average being 8, the maximum 12. 

Within an informal atmosphere, students respond enthusiastically to high expectations of behaviour and achievement and are able to achieve their academic and creative potential. The atmosphere is liberal but ordered. There are no mobile phones permitted during the day in the Lower School, that really helps. 

RIC’s Lower School offers a broad education before the specialisation of sixth form. There are different routes through the school. Prospective doctors, dentists and vets get to be stretched by the demanding Triple Science GCSEs while those who are more creative can study subjects such Film, Music Technology, Textiles, Graphic Design and Photography. 

Caitlin below left, who attended RIC from year 7 to sixth form said:

“RIC gives you space, the flexibility to take things into your own hands and structure your education to suit you. There is no ‘one size fits all’ attitude.”

Having achieved outstanding GCSE results she got offers from all four of her chosen Medical Schools and the three A grades at A level she needed to meet them. 

Caitlin consistently worked hard but says she did so in a very supportive environment: "The teachers always gave me a lot of time outside of lessons, even in break times. I always had my questions answered and the interest and passion of the teachers for their subjects really shines through.”

Imagine being able to stay in touch properly with your child’s progress at school. Reports that aren’t overly complicated with codes and generated by software packages but that give clear and honest assessments of what progress has been made and what needs to be done to improve. 

A smaller school size allows more opportunity for our teachers to work closely together and share information. Pupils can see the progress they are making, parents can see the difference great teaching is having. 

Students with mild learning difficulties such as dyslexia can easily be accommodated in small classes where everyone is encouraged and supported.

The size of RIC allows us to provide an unparalleled level of feedback to parents and operate an open door policy, with parents encouraged to come in and speak to Form Tutors or the Head of School about any worries or concerns. 

Homework is set regularly, although students are always given a week to complete tasks rather than there being a daily prep regime. In some subjects there is more of an emphasis on project work and research out of the classroom and all students are given at least one novel each half term outside of their regular English lessons to read and review. 

The aim of all work in the Lower School is to encourage students to spend time thinking about what they have been taught and to begin to develop self-motivated exploration of the subjects they will come to study more intensively later. Students do not sit back because they are ahead and finished their work, nor do they give up because they are too far behind. Teachers regularly see students individually to help with particular academic problems. 

Target setting is done individually so that each student can aim for their personal best. We believe that the idea of testing understanding is that individual students gain confidence in their knowledge and find out what they need to do better.