Sir Thomas Rich's School Review 2026: Excellence Rooted in Three Centuries of Heritage

When Sir Thomas Rich, a Gloucester merchant and Member of Parliament, died in 1667, he left behind far more than financial legacy. His bequest of £6,000 and his Eastgate Street house established what would become one of England's oldest surviving grammar schools, originally known as the Blue Coat Hospital for its distinctive pupil uniform. Nearly 360 years later, the school bearing his name stands on the eastern edge of Gloucester in Longlevens, a state-funded selective grammar school admitting 150 boys to Year 7 annually and serving a vibrant coeducational sixth form of around 400 students. Locally known as "Tommies," Sir Thomas Rich's maintains the academic rigour and pastoral care tradition that has defined it through centuries of educational change. The 2024 GCSE results represent the strongest performance in the school's modern history, with 55% of grades at 8-9 and 78% at 7 or above. At A-level, 18% of all grades were A*, with 74% of students achieving at least one A or A* grade. These achievements place the school firmly in the top tier : ranked 131st in England for GCSE (FindMySchool ranking), sitting in the national high tier (top 3%), and ranked 208th for A-level (FindMySchool ranking), also in the national high tier (top 8%). The school converted to academy status in 2010 but retains its selective character and distinctive traditions, from formal school assemblies to the House competition and the blue blazer uniform that echoes the original Blue Coat heritage.

The school motto, Garde Ta Foy (Keep the Faith), written in Old French and etched onto pupils' cap badges, runs through everything at Sir Thomas Rich's. Sir Thomas Rich's School in Longlevens, Gloucester has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. The original structure opened at this Elmbridge site in 1964, replacing what inspectors had once described as the worst school premises in southwest England. Since then, expansion has been methodical and considered, with purpose-built facilities added to serve specific educational needs: the Music Suite (1999) with its specialist classrooms and rehearsal rooms, the WJ Veale Language Centre (2002) celebrating the school's commitment to modern languages, the Food Technology building, the Sixth Form Centre (2012) housing the Drama Studio and Learning Resource Centre, and most recently the Clive and Sylvia Richards Business Enterprise Centre (2020), built with charitable support and housing Business, Economics, and Psychology departments alongside teacher training and ICT facilities.

The atmosphere is notably calm and ordered. Pupils and students move purposefully between lessons; behaviour is described by inspectors as "impeccable," and bullying is rare. The culture of respect, established by leadership and reinforced through pastoral structures, ensures that students feel genuinely safe. Staff have deliberately taught pupils about the negative impact of casual banter, creating an environment where interpersonal kindness is expected rather than assumed. Form tutors spend thirty minutes each morning with their tutor groups, checking in on wellbeing and occasionally inviting expressive reading aloud. Teachers are described by inspection as secure in subject knowledge, and pupils are articulate, developing their skills confidently throughout their time at school. The school's 2021 Ofsted inspection awarded an overall judgement of Good, noting that pupils feel "a huge sense of loyalty" and that sixth form joiners experience the same sense of belonging despite arriving as newcomers.

Matthew Lynch became Headmaster in September 2024, taking over from Matthew Morgan, who led the school with distinction for many years. Lynch, who has taught at the school since 2006 and held roles as head of performing arts and sixth form leader, brings deep institutional knowledge and a commitment to continuous improvement. His appointment followed a competitive selection process that attracted strong candidates from state and independent sectors.

GCSE Performance

The 2024 GCSE cohort of 155 students achieved the strongest results on virtually every measure in the school's modern history, excluding pandemic years. 55% of all grade entries were 8 or 9, with 78% at grade 7 or above and 98% at least grade 5. In raw numbers, 139 pupils each secured five or more passes at grades 9-7, while 77 students gained ten or more passes all at these top grades. The average Attainment 8 score was 76.9, significantly above the England average, reflecting broad excellence across the curriculum. Progress 8 averaged 0.91, well above the England average of zero, indicating pupils make above-average progress from their Key Stage 2 starting points regardless of prior attainment. 80% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics combined, a crucial gateway qualification for sixth form study and beyond.

The school ranks 131st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the national high performance tier in the top 3% of schools. Locally, it ranks 2nd among Gloucestershire secondary schools, a position it has held consistently for years.

A-Level Performance

The Year 13 cohort achieved results the school describes as among its best ever, again excluding pandemic years. 18% of all grades were A*, with the average grade awarded being an A. 74% of pupils achieved at least one grade A or A*, and 73 students obtained three A-levels at these top grades, of whom 12 achieved at least three A* grades. The A*-B pass rate was 81%, with 29% achieving A*-A. These figures reflect consistent academic strength across the sixth form, with students managing demanding subject combinations effectively.

The school ranks 208th in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), also in the national high tier (top 8% of schools ). It ranks 1st among Gloucestershire sixth forms, a rare selective sixth form centre in the county.

The curriculum at Sir Thomas Rich's balances breadth with rigour. In Key Stages 3 and 4, all pupils study a core of English Language and Literature, Mathematics, a modern foreign language (French or German, with the option of an additional language from Year 8), and three separate sciences taught separately. Philosophy and Theology (Religious Education) provides ethical and spiritual grounding alongside Citizenship and PSHE. Technology (including Design and Technology and Food Technology), Computing, Geography, History, Art, Music, Drama, PE and Games complete the provision. This structure ensures pupils develop knowledge across disciplines and retain flexibility about specialisms until later.

From Year 10, pupils choose four to five additional GCSE subjects to reach a total of 11 full GCSEs plus one short course. Options include Business Studies, Economics, Politics, Photography, Design and Technology, Drama, Geography, History, Music, and PE, allowing each pupil to shape their programme around genuine interests and future pathways. Teaching is characterised by clear explanation, high expectations, and engagement. Pupils are encouraged to question and to challenge established thinking, fostering intellectual curiosity. Teachers are subject experts, and departments share pedagogical approaches and resources facilitated by neighbouring classroom layouts.

In the sixth form, pupils typically begin with four A-level subjects and narrow to three by Year 13. Students can pursue an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Further Mathematics, and additional language courses beyond the standard curriculum. The school offers all traditional A-level sciences, mathematics disciplines, and humanities, plus Psychology and Philosophy not available at GCSE. Academic support is extensive, with extension sessions provided and a clear focus on higher education planning and careers guidance. Pupils have dedicated time during the week for sports, music, drama, or other extracurricular interests outside formal lessons.

University Destinations

In the most recent leavers cohort measured (2023-24), 71% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with 2% entering further education, 4% starting apprenticeships, and 15% entering employment, reflecting the school's strong track record in preparing students for competitive university applications. Three students secured places at Cambridge in 2024, with additional applications to Oxford pending. The calibre of destinations reflects the academic preparation provided: students progress regularly to Russell Group universities including Durham, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh, and other prestigious institutions, with strong representation in competitive courses including medicine. Recent notable alumni achievements include an Old Richian receiving the Claude Massart Prize for Best Performance in French Literature across Oxford University (2023-24), and graduates securing places at the United Nations in New York and other prominent organisations globally. The school holds the Quality in Careers Standard, the National Quality Mark For Careers Guidance, and provides tailored career support through a dedicated team including a Higher Education Lead and Careers Lead dedicated to supporting students through UCAS applications and exploring future pathways.

Life at Sir Thomas Rich's extends far beyond formal lessons, with extracurricular provision spanning sports, music, drama, and over twenty active clubs and societies. The school has long held Beacon School status, Language College and Science College designations, Sportsmark Gold, and the Mental Health Champions award, reflecting decades of excellence beyond the classroom.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music is genuinely central to school life. The Music Suite, purpose-built in 1999, houses two specialist classrooms and multiple rehearsal rooms supporting an active ensemble culture. Students can join the Advanced Choir (for singers grades 4-8 and above, meeting Tuesday lunchtimes), the Main Choir (for all abilities, Thursdays after school), or the Chamber Strings Ensemble (for advanced musicians, Mondays). Instrumental ensembles cater to specific instruments: the Brass Ensemble for players of grades 4-8 and above (Wednesdays before school), the Jazz Band (all musicians grades 4-8, Mondays after school), and the Symphony Orchestra (all abilities, Fridays). The school also fields a Wind Band. Regular concerts feature these ensembles throughout the year, with pupils demonstrating "outstanding talent, creativity and commitment" across a busy programme according to recent school reports. The musical calendar includes Jazz Night in December and concerts linked to drama productions. An annual music workshop run by the school demonstrates the integration of music into cultural life, and pupils are encouraged to take music examinations, with individual peripatetic tuition available through specialist teachers (fees paid direct to teachers). The school has hosted visits from Royal patron HRH The Princess Royal, including a 1998 visit to open the refurbished swimming pool and a 2021 visit to tour the school and meet students.

Drama and Performance

Drama flourishes in three dedicated performance spaces: the Assembly Hall with fully equipped stage, the Drama Studio within the Sixth Form Centre, and additional spaces that facilitate regular productions. Recent major productions have included The School of Rock, Joseph, and We Will Rock You, performed with full orchestral accompaniment and professional staging. The Drama Society meets Wednesdays lunchtimes for students interested in stagecraft and performance. Pupils wishing to develop skills can work on set design, lighting, sound, costumes, and directing, supported by a dedicated Drama team. The school actively encourages participation across skill levels, with casting often reflecting the breadth of interest rather than a small elite.

Sports: Excellence and Participation

The sporting provision is exceptional. The STRS Sports Centre comprises a gymnasium, main sports hall (doubled in size in 1998), a heated indoor swimming pool (rebuilt in 1994), a fitness suite available for membership, and a Sports Pavilion (opened 2015, funded through alumni and community fundraising). These facilities underpin a robust offer: rugby is compulsory in Year 7, with elite teams reaching inter-school finals, including contact and touch rugby fixtures and Old Boys tournaments bringing alumni back to compete. Football is offered with six teams across age groups and wide-ranging fixtures. Cricket operates year-round with nets and an Elite Programme. Cross country runs on Thursday lunchtimes on the school field. Tennis, badminton, athletics, basketball, and netball complete the main provisions. Recent achievements include national finals in netball, top rugby finishes, county cricket titles, and record-breaking athletics. In recent years, several students have gained international honours in sport, competing at national and international levels. Swimming runs six teams across age groups, with a swimming club on Friday mornings. The fitness suite welcomes student membership for an annual fee.

STEM and Technology

A Rich's FameLab Academy competition invites Year 9 students to deliver excellent STEM talks, with competition running annually to identify promising young scientists and engineers. Coding club, robotics initiatives, and the school's Careers Programme highlight pathways into STEM disciplines. The Economics, Entrepreneurship, Careers and Outreach Centre, opened in 2020, visibly underscores the school's commitment to entrepreneurial thinking and applied learning.

Clubs and Enrichment

Over twenty clubs and societies operate beyond music and sport. The Book Club (Mondays KS3 and KS5) brings together readers to share views on texts. Bridge Club meets Wednesdays after school, taught by expert volunteers from the local bridge community. Art Club (Monday to Thursday lunchtimes) welcomes all abilities to develop skills. Coding Club and Debate Society (membership growing, with participation in national competitions) are active and popular. German Culture Club (Fridays, Years 7-9) and Friday prayers for Muslim students provide cultural and religious space. Law Society meets Tuesday lunchtimes (Years 12-13). The Maths Club (Wednesday lunchtimes, Years 9-13) welcomes pupils who love mathematics. Women's debate group meets Tuesday lunchtimes for Year 12-13 students to discuss issues affecting women. Additionally, there are "fringe clubs" which exist according to pupil and staff interests, creating a truly responsive extracurricular environment.

The school operates the Tommy's Award, a programme recognizing supercurricular commitment. Pupils can earn the award by completing activities such as Poetry by Heart, attending two non-sporting clubs, entering competitions, and engaging in subject specialist enrichment. This framework celebrates achievement beyond grades and rewards the well-rounded engagement the school values.

Entry at Year 7

The school admits 150 boys to Year 7 each September via the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' 11+ admissions test (noted), a selective entrance examination administered in partnership with the six other Gloucestershire grammar schools. There is no catchment area; pupils living anywhere in Gloucestershire and beyond can apply, provided they meet the required standard. The test comprises two multiple-choice papers covering English Comprehension, Vocabulary, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Spatial Reasoning. Both papers are taken on the same day, each lasting approximately one hour. Qualifying scores vary year to year depending on the distribution of candidates' results. Priority after those achieving the required standard is given to looked after (or previously looked after) children and those in receipt of pupil premium. Registration typically opens in summer of Year 5, with testing in autumn of Year 5 and official offers issued by the local authority in March.

Entry at Year 12

The sixth form is coeducational, admitting approximately 90 external students to Year 12 alongside internal progression from Year 11. Entry depends on GCSE outcomes: applicants need at least 50 points across their best eight GCSEs, with English Language and maths each at grade 5+. Additionally, individual subjects have specific GCSE grade requirements (detailed in the Sixth Form Prospectus). The school often exceeds the 90 external places target if candidates meet criteria and subject set availability allows. Applications open in late January via an online portal, with conditional offers made based on predicted grades and confirmations required once GCSE results arrive. The Sixth Form Open Evening typically takes place in January/February for prospective applicants and families.

In-year admissions at other year groups are possible if the school has vacancies and applicants meet academic standards.

Pupils are grouped into four Houses, Northgate, Eastgate, Southgate, and Westgate, which compete annually for the Cock House Trophy. This structure provides social, cultural, and sporting focus throughout the year, creating sub-communities within the school that foster belonging and friendly inter-house competition. Every pupil has a form tutor in a group of 6-8, who provides academic oversight and pastoral support. Form time each morning includes wellbeing check-ins and community-building activity. Heads of Year oversee each year group, supported by trained staff. The Assistant SENCo coordinates SEND support via Individual Education Plans, reviewed 2–3 times a year with subject teachers. Students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) have annual reviews involving SENCO, Head of Year, parents, and external agencies. An on-site counsellor is available for students needing emotional or mental health support. The school has invested in Mental Health Champions training for staff. Behaviour is excellent and bullying is rare, sustained by a whole-school culture of respect and clear procedures for addressing concerns promptly. The school is proactive in teaching about healthy relationships, coercive control, and consent, with workshops delivered by external specialists such as the Hollie Gazzard Trust.

The school day runs from 8.25am to 4.15pm, with pupils expected to be present from 8.25am for registration. Form time allows a structured start. School transport is available through local authority arrangements and commercial providers; the school is well served by road links with good access from the M5 motorway (less than ten minutes from Junction 11). Public transport links exist, though the school does not directly operate buses. Uniform is compulsory: boys wear royal blue blazers (sixth form wears navy), white shirt, school tie (four varieties offered), black trousers, black socks, and black or dark brown shoes. Girls in the sixth form typically wear similar formal dress or business-appropriate clothing. Uniform costs are held down through a Uniform Shop stocking new and previously owned items; parents receiving pupil premium entitlements receive a financial contribution towards uniform costs. Meals are available in the dining hall and sixth form café; the school policies on charging for activities and catering are published transparently, with education provided during school hours without compulsory charges. Optional extras such as residential trips, theatre visits, and voluntary contributions support enrichment activities.

Selective entry required. the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' 11+ admissions test is competitive, and while the school does not require formal tutoring, many families pursue private preparation. Success typically requires consistent high performance across English comprehension, vocabulary, reasoning, and mathematics. Consider the child's genuine readiness for academic selection and the family's realistic assessment of likelihood of passing.

No catchment area can limit flexibility but increases travel demands. While the lack of a catchment boundary means geographically wider access, it also means parents and students in distant parts of Gloucestershire or beyond will face significant daily travel. A child's daily journey time should be factored into the decision.

Sixth form expansion creates admissions pressure. While the school aims to admit approximately 90 external Year 12 students, pressure on popular subjects (particularly sciences and languages) means places are genuinely competitive. Applicants with grades below the minimum points threshold are unlikely to secure entry regardless of effort.

Formal school culture reflects traditions. The blue blazer, formal assemblies, house competitions, and the school motto permeating daily language create a traditional atmosphere. For some families, this embodiment of heritage and structure is a strength; for others, it may feel overly formal or restrictive. Visit the school to gauge whether the culture aligns with your family's values.

Sir Thomas Rich's School represents selective state education at its strongest. The academic results are genuinely impressive, achieved alongside broad extracurricular opportunity and strong pastoral care. The school's 360-year heritage, far from being a constraint, provides a genuine sense of community and shared purpose, with students expressing real loyalty to the institution. Teachers are expert and engaged; students are articulate and self-assured; behaviour is exemplary. The campus is well-maintained and facilities are modern and purposeful. Best suited to academically able boys who thrive on challenge and structure, and to families within reasonable travelling distance who value selective education and a formal school environment. The main hurdle is entry; once secured, the education provided is exceptional and genuinely rigorous, launching students effectively into competitive universities and professional pathways.