Ribblesdale School Review 2026: Digital Innovation & All-Through Growth

Ribblesdale School sits at the heart of Clitheroe, a historic market town where tradition usually reigns supreme. Ribblesdale breaks that mould. As a long-standing Microsoft Showcase School, it has built a national reputation for digital innovation that few state schools can match. In September 2023, the school evolved significantly, expanding to become an all-through provider (ages 4 to 16) with the opening of a purpose-built primary phase at Higher Standen Farm. Now serving over 1,400 pupils across two sites, it combines a community feel with a genuinely futuristic approach to learning.

The atmosphere here is defined by a blend of purpose and technology. On the main secondary site on Queens Road, the environment is busy and driven. Pupils move between lessons with devices in hand, a visible sign of the school's commitment to blended learning. This is not a gimmick; digital technology is woven into the fabric of daily life, from OneNote assignments to real-time feedback in class.

Mrs Anne-Marie Horrocks, Headteacher since 2021, has overseen the school's transformation into an all-through institution. Her leadership focuses on "The Ribblesdale Way", a set of values emphasising resilience and independence.

The physical environment tells the story of the school's priorities. While parts of the secondary site date back to the 1930s, recent investments have created modern hubs like the Holgate Learning Centre. The new primary site, located about a mile away, is a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for the school's tech-rich curriculum. Despite the physical separation, there is a shared identity. Subject specialists from the secondary phase regularly teach younger pupils, particularly in PE, languages, and computing.

In 2024, the school's performance sat in line with the middle 35% of schools in England. The Attainment 8 score of 43.2 was slightly below the England average of 46.0, while the Progress 8 score of -0.25 indicated that students made slightly less progress from their starting points than their peers nationally.

However, the school ranks 4th locally in Clitheroe for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). The number of students entering the EBacc is 40.5%, matching the national average exactly, which suggests the curriculum remains broad and academic for a significant proportion of the cohort.

The primary phase, having opened recently, does not yet have Key Stage 2 results. Families joining this phase are choosing the school for its vision and the continuity of the all-through pathway rather than historical data.

Teaching at Ribblesdale is distinctively modern. The status as a Microsoft Showcase School means that digital inking and Teams are standard practice. Every student uses a device, allowing for personalised feedback and interactive lessons. A science lesson might involve virtual dissection or real-time data logging, while history students might explore virtual environments.

This does not mean traditional skills are neglected. Writing and oracy remain central, but the digital layer adds flexibility. Support for Special Educational Needs is well established, with technology often used to remove barriers to learning for pupils with dyslexia or processing difficulties.

The curriculum is ambitious. In the secondary phase, Key Stage 3 covers three years, allowing depth before GCSE choices. The primary curriculum benefits from access to secondary-level expertise, meaning Year 5s might use the secondary science labs or have music lessons with specialist secondary teachers.

Ribblesdale is an 11-16 school (now 4-16), meaning there is no sixth form. This is standard for Clitheroe, where post-16 provision is largely centralised.

The majority of students progress to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Sixth Form (if they meet the grade requirements) or local colleges such as Blackburn College, Burnley College, and Myerscough College for land-based studies. The school has a strong careers programme, and the destinations data reflects a wide range of pathways, including apprenticeships with major local engineering and aerospace employers.

Admission to Ribblesdale is competitive. The school is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its popularity in the Ribble Valley.

Primary Entry (Reception)

The primary phase accepts 30 pupils (one form of entry). In 2024, demand was high, with 105 applications for just 30 places. This resulted in a ratio of 3.5 applications per place, making it one of the most sought-after primary entries in the area.

Secondary Entry (Year 7)

For Year 7, the school admits 270 students. In 2024, there were 728 applications for these places, with a subscription proportion of 2.7 applications per place.

Admissions are coordinated by Lancashire County Council. When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, then those with siblings at the school, followed by those living locally. There is no automatic transfer from the primary phase to the secondary phase if the secondary phase is oversubscribed, although attending the primary phase is often a named criterion in all-through admissions policies. Families should check the specific wording in the LCC booklet carefully.

Pastoral care is structured around a year group system. Each year has a dedicated Head of Year and non-teaching Pastoral Manager, ensuring that there is always someone available to deal with issues during lesson time.

The "Ribblesdale Way" underpins behaviour management, focusing on clear routines and mutual respect. The school is known for being inclusive, and the pastoral team is experienced in supporting pupils with diverse needs. The transition from primary to secondary is handled carefully. For those in the primary phase, the move will eventually be seamless, removing the traditional cliff edge of Year 7 transfer.

Extracurricular life is vibrant and often leverages the school's facilities.

STEM & Computing

As expected, the coding and robotics provision is excellent. The "Ribblesdale Tech Team" allows students to become digital leaders, training peers and even staff.

Sport

The sports facilities are extensive, including a 3G pitch and fitness suite. Teams compete locally in football, netball, and rugby.

The Arts

The creative arts are well resourced. The annual school production is a highlight, often involving over 100 students in cast and crew roles.

Trips

The enrichment programme includes ski trips, geography field trips to Iceland or Italy, and local excursions to the Lake District.

The school operates across two sites. The main secondary campus is on Queens Road, while the primary phase is located on the Higher Standen Farm development. School hours are 8:45am to 3:05pm.

Transport is a key consideration for families outside Clitheroe. Dedicated school buses serve the wider Ribble Valley area, though parents should check eligibility for passes with Lancashire County Council.

Split Site Logistics. Although technically one school, the primary and secondary sites are physically separate (about a mile apart). While this keeps the primary children in a nurturing, small-scale environment, parents with children in both phases will need to manage drop-offs at two locations.

Heavy Tech Focus. The reliance on digital devices is fundamental to the pedagogy here. Families who prefer a low-tech, traditional approach to education might find the constant screen integration at odds with their philosophy.

No Sixth Form. Students must move institution at 16. While this offers a fresh start and a step towards adult independence, it does mean another transition period during the crucial teenage years.

Primary Admissions. The primary phase is small (30 places) and heavily oversubscribed. Living on the Higher Standen development does not guarantee a place if demand remains this high.

Ribblesdale School offers a forward-thinking education that prepares students genuinely well for a digital world. The July 2025 Ofsted inspection confirmed the school's quality, rating it Good with Outstanding Personal Development. The new primary phase adds an exciting dimension, creating a modern all-through pathway in the heart of the Ribble Valley. Best suited to families who embrace technology in learning and want a seamless educational journey. The main challenge is securing a place in the primary phase given the intense competition.