About Us
Values, Mission & History
Founded in 1921 as Ryde Grammar School for boys, in 1972 girls were accepted into the Sixth Form and became fully co-educational in 1994 when the School merged with Upper Chine Girls’ School. The acquisition of Bembridge School’s buildings followed its closure in 1996.
The School moved to its current location in Ryde in 1928 and the grounds expanded with additional buildings and land over the years with sports facilities at Smallbrook.
The School now occupies over 17 acres overlooking the Solent. The motto Ut Prosim (that I may be of service) has guided the school ethos since its introduction in 1921.
Mission Statment
We are an island school with a global outlook.
Our purpose is to provide world class education on the Isle of Wight, enabling our boarding and day pupils to flourish in mind, body and soul. We nurture the character, skills and values to help them make a positive difference and embrace the opportunities of the wider world.
Our Aims
The School has five strategic aims to provide a clear sense of purpose in the delivery of our mission statement.
We deliver high academic standards through excellent teaching rooted in strong relationships and a deep knowledge of every pupil. We nurture ambition in every learner, ensuring measurable added value and the personal confidence to maximise academic potential.
We provide a purposeful co-curricular programme that makes the most of our unique Island setting and our all-through School to develop character and nurture lifelong passions. Through a culture of challenge and a breadth of opportunity, pupils build the confidence and skills necessary to flourish far beyond the classroom.
We ensure pupils are adaptable and confident individuals ready to work with others so they can navigate and thrive in an ever-changing world. We deliver a future-facing education that builds a sense of identity, character, independence and resilience.
We will secure a vibrant and sustainable future for Ryde School by expanding our local and global reach through meaningful connections. An authentic, personalised and compelling engagement and recruitment journey in all connections will support this.
We maintain a robust and agile financial model that ensures the School’s long-term sustainability. Through our strong stewardship, we proactively navigate the evolving challenges facing the independent sector, protecting the quality of our educational provision for future generations.
Our Values
Our values underpin our community, shaping everything we do and how we go about our daily lives.
We are ambitious both individually and for our School. We have high expectations and aspirations.
We take responsibility for our own actions and decisions. We value integrity and self-discipline.
We have the courage to be adventurous and to be risk-takers. We have the tenacity to keep trying and to overcome challenges.
We respect ourselves, each other and our community as a whole. We expect kindness, inclusivity, empathy and open-mindedness.
Our Ethos
Strength of community is at the heart of Ryde School and underpinned by our motto Ut Prosim (that I may be of service). These important words encourage us all to think of others in what we do which is the bedrock of our welcoming, supportive and inclusive community.
Ryde is also a Church of England School. The Bishop of Portsmouth is our visitor and we have a close partnership with All Saints’ Church where we hold assemblies and services.
