Sir Thomas Rich's School Specialist Status

We have specialist status as a Language College (since 2000), a Science College (since 2004) and a Mentor School (part of the Raising Achievement Partnership Programme, since 2007). 

  1. Language College
  2. Science College
  3. Mentor School

Language College

Additional funding associated with the award of Language College status enabled us to build a new Languages Centre to enhance our language teaching facilities. We are also able to offer a wider range of languages, both during and outside the school day, have smaller language classes and make greater use of native speaking language assistants.

We provide language teaching in several local primary schools, we support language learning in two local secondary schools and we enrich language and cultural experiences in a local special school.

Science College

This award acknowledges our strength in the teaching of sciences and mathematics. We have been able to refurbish our science laboratories and technicians’ preparation room. Our pupils are taught Science in Year 7, then separate sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) from Year 8. At the end of Year 9 pupils may choose to continue the study of all three sciences or they may opt to study Core-and-Additional Science (which allows the choice of an additional GCSE from our options list). Year 9 students may also choose to study Geology GCSE during lunchtimes as an extra-curricular subject.

As part of our community commitment we provide science enrichment classes for children in local primary and secondary schools.

Mentor School

The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust SSAT) organises the Raising Achievement Partnership Programme on behalf of the Government. Schools which require additional advice or support contact the SSAT to request help in specific areas, they are then put in touch with an appropriate Mentor School. We offer expertise in areas such as the provision for Gifted & Talented children.