Teaching at Ryde School
What are the origins of Ryde School?
The town of Ryde and Ryde School owe much of their significance to extraordinary developments in the 19th Century and the building of Osborne House by Queen Victoria. Large houses were constructed by courtiers, service personnel and wealthy retired people seeking to live in this increasingly fashionable town. With this influx of money came prosperity for the tradesmen and professional classes, and as their status improved so did they seek educational advantages for their children. Consequently on 25th April 1921 Ryde School came into being.
Since that day in 1921 when 46 pupils gathered to meet their Headmaster, William McIsaac, the School has expanded to a current role of approximately 796 pupils, aged 3-18, to become a strong independent school and is now fully coeducational.
There are approximately 530 pupils in the Senior School, with a Sixth Form of 140. The Junior School shares the same site and has its own staff.
Ryde School caters for pupils from nursery age and just across the road, in a newly extended building, is Fiveways which provides for the youngest pupils up to Year 2. There are currently approximately 120 pupils in Fiveways, giving a total of 267 up to and including Year 6.
The School enjoys an enviable reputation on the Island for high standards both inside and outside the classroom. Further details may be found in the Independent Schools’ Year Book and on our web site at www.rydeschool.org.uk
The School is a member of both HMC and IAPS.
Who teaches at Ryde?
Ryde School teachers are gifted individuals who are able to inspire pupils with their enthusiasm and subject knowledge. They are committed to providing high quality teaching as well as playing a full and purposeful role in the School’s extensive extracurricular programme.
Most are graduates with post graduate teaching certificates and previous experience is extensive, ranging from similar independent day/boarding schools to full boarding schools, maintained sector schools, overseas schools and universities. Those arriving without a PGCE are encouraged and supported to gain such a qualification soon after appointment. In-service training and professional development are strongly encouraged and the School has good links with the Universities of Portsmouth, Southampton and Chichester, other schools and industry. The School also follows the national guidelines for the induction of NQTs.
What do I do?
Ryde life is busy and our extracurricular activities programme is wide ranging. As well as teaching, you will be expected to contribute in some way to the School’s extracurricular programme. You will be encouraged to utilise your personal strengths and interests, and may even wish to become qualified in areas previously unimagined. A vast array of clubs and societies take place each week and Ryde School pupils and staff are rich in experience and expertise.
Where do I do it?
Ryde School occupies a 17-acre site overlooking the Solent and has enjoyed an impressive programme of development in recent years, which has provided a wealth of facilities to enrich the working life at Ryde.
Recent additions include:
Fiveways extension;
Junior School hall, offices, science laboratory and music room;
Senior School library and additional teaching space;
Double Astro-turf, additional grass pitches and floodlighting;
Acquisition of property immediately adjacent to the school;
Redevelopment of the sports pavilion.
Most academic departments are housed in their own separate areas with specialist equipment and technical support where appropriate. Computers are in extensive use throughout the school, and teachers are invited to take advantage of the School’s subsidised laptop computer purchase scheme.
What about salary and conditions?
Salary is on the Ryde scale and fully reflects qualifications, responsibility and experience. All members of staff are able to educate their children at significantly reduced fees. The School participates in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
All appointments are subject to a CRB check, a satisfactory medical record and confirmation of academic qualifications.
The School is an equal opportunities employer and a non-smoking establishment.
What about the Common Room?
The School has well equipped Common Room facilities in the Senior School, Junior School, and Fiveways.
The Common Room Committee consists of a Chairperson, Treasurer and Social Sub-Committee. There are approximately 100 members across the whole school, and it provides a cohesive, stimulating and enjoyable environment. A variety of functions are organised throughout the year, and you are most welcome to offer innovative and exciting ideas. You may also wish to stand for election!
Is it a good place to live and how do I get there?
Ryde is one of the principal towns on the Isle of Wight and sits on the shores of the Solent roughly opposite the City of Portsmouth. Island life combines a fascinating history and architecture with a modern vibrancy rich in bars, restaurants and culture. The Island is famous for its beautiful and varied coastline and warmer climate, and has much to offer. The towns of Newport and Cowes, noted for sailing, are nearby and provide further shopping and leisure opportunities. The School and the town are perfectly placed for access to the mainland. Both the hovercraft and catamaran terminals are within walking distance of the School, and the car ferry terminal at Fishbourne is 3 miles away.
The hovercraft and catamaran are foot passenger services, and all three modes run on a half hourly basis. The catamaran and car ferry can be booked on www.wightlink.co.uk and the hovercraft can be booked on www.hovertravel.co.uk Directions from the terminals to School can be obtained from our website.
Similar services are available from Southampton to East and West Cowes, and details are available on www.redfunnel.co.uk
Wightlink also run services from Lymington to Yarmouth and details are available on their website.
Within Ryde and the surrounding areas, property is plentiful and varied, and several housing developments have been constructed in recent years. For those looking for period properties, the town underwent massive expansion and development during Queen Victoria’s reign, and many of the streets around the school contain an abundance of grand buildings and period features. The collective experience of the Common Room, Senior and Junior School, is warmly offered to newcomers should you need advice on the local property market, schooling, health care or any other similar issue. A good starting place is the Island newspaper, The County Press, which comes out on a Friday and contains both a comprehensive property guide, purchase and rental, and a detailed what’s on supplement called the “Weekender".
Where do pupils come from?
Pupils come from many different backgrounds. There are approximately 40 boarders in the school who live on a beautiful 117-acre coastal site in Bembridge, where they enjoy a superb range of leisure facilities. The remainder are day pupils from the Island, with a small number commuting on a daily basis from Portsmouth. Despite local competition from other leading independent schools, recruitment is impressive, and the main entrance points are nursery, 7+, 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form, although pupils can join at any level, and space allowing, at any stage of the academic year.
How are we doing?
Ryde School teachers are dynamic and innovative, and several have moved on to prominent positions elsewhere. Most recently, two colleagues moved on to become Headmasters, one to be a Deputy Head and another to be Director of Boarding. The School is extremely fortunate in attracting and retaining many dedicated professionals.
In 2007, many individuals achieved outstanding results in examinations. Ryde School is predominantly a non-selective school, and some of the highlights are:
Senior School:
Please click below for GCSE & A Level Results
Most pupils go on to university with a significant number applying to Oxford and Cambridge each year.
Junior School, including Fiveways:
Key Stage 1 & 2
Where are we going?
This is a very exciting time for Ryde School. Our vision is one of sustainable expansion and continuous improvements in all fields and at all ages. Academic excellence, pastoral care and extracurricular provision are priorities, and for this we need high quality staff who are ambitious and committed. Many, if not all, of the best ideas come from teachers, and we regularly benefit from new colleagues bringing suggestions and initiatives with them.
How do I apply?
Applications, which should include a covering letter of application and the Ryde School Application Form, should be sent to the Headmaster, Dr N J England for Senior School appointments, or the Head of the Junior School, Mr H Edwards for Junior School appointments at the following address:
Ryde School
Queen’s Road
Ryde
Isle of Wight
PO33 3BE
We hope you feel encouraged to apply to join us.
Dr N J England
Headmaster
