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Our stated aim at Worksop College is the create ‘adaptable, independent and resilient’ learners. But how do we do this?
In the 8A English class, we do this by having a key theme every half-term (this year they have been: Parents, Birds as Symbols, Intersectionality, Women and Society and Greatness).
Pupils at Ranby House have once again impressed judges with their creativity, as a number of entries in this year’s Young Artist Competition, organised by Retford’s Rotary Club, were recognised at the recent awards ceremony.
We are hugely blessed at Worksop College and Ranby House by the heritage and legacy of the Christian foundation of our schools, which is upheld and celebrated to this day. It forms the heart of our ethos, mission, and values, and has been central in shaping the generations of Worksopians who have been part of this community for more than one hundred years.
At Worksop College, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is more than just a programme - it’s a transformative experience that empowers pupils to challenge themselves, explore new horizons, and build lifelong skills. For Hristiyan, a Year 13 full boarder from Bulgaria, the journey has extraordinary.
At Worksop College, we’ve always believed that education goes far beyond the classroom. It’s about the relationships you build, the experiences that shape you, and the doors that open when you’re part of a lifelong community. With a history that dates back to 1895, the Old Worksopian network spans the globe and touches every industry imaginable. Whether your passion lies in finance, the arts, sport, science, or tech, chances are there’s an OW out there already making waves – and ready to share their wisdom.
One recent leaver who made the most of this incredible network is Archie Sims.
We sat down with the newly appointed Head of Drama at Worksop College to talk about her exciting new role, her passion for the performing arts, and a recent experience at Buckingham Palace. With a wealth of experience leading Youth Theatres and a deep commitment to using drama as a tool for growth and confidence, she brings both creativity and heart to everything she does. In this interview, she reflects on what drama means to her, how it shapes young people, and what’s in store for the future of Drama.
Every Saturday, a group of student volunteers visits Worksop Priory with the aim of restoring its once-thriving butterfly garden. This space is intended to encourage local wildlife – especially insects and butterflies – and to bring new life to the area. The Butterfly Garden Project was initiated by me, in collaboration with Father Matthew, who helped organise it, as a way to give back to the community around us.
On the 26th of March, Worksop College held the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Willow Hub. The Willow Hub is the first-ever wellbeing centre curated by a school in the East Midlands.
Starting life at a new school can be daunting, especially when moving to a different country. For many international boarders, the initial nerves come from adjusting to a new culture, making friends, and even speaking English daily. However, at Worksop College, those worries quickly fade thanks to the warm and welcoming community that ensures every pupil feels at home.
We spoke to Matilda, a Year 12 boarder from Bulgaria, about her experience settling into life at Worksop College and what makes it such a special place for international pupils.
Pupils at Ranby House embraced the magic of reading as they celebrated World Book Day with an exciting science and inventions theme. The school was transformed into a hub of creativity, with pupils engaging in hands-on activities inspired by a range of books.
The day was designed to immerse pupils in a world of scientific discovery, problem-solving, and imagination. Instead of their usual timetable, they rotated between different activities, each carefully crafted to bring a book to life.
In the spirit of environmental awareness, pupils read A Good Place and set about designing and building their own bug houses, learning about the importance of habitats and biodiversity. Meanwhile, Mix It Up encouraged pupils to get creative with colour mixing, using their hands and paint to explore how different shades blend together.
Space and planetary science were also key themes of the day. Inspired by Meet the Planets, pupils used shaving foam to recreate planets, experimenting with textures and colours to mimic the solar system. Those working with Discovering Planets took their learning a step further by designing their own solar systems, labelling each planet in both English and Mandarin.
For those with an inventive streak, Izzy Gizmo sparked creativity as pupils crafted their own slip pin birds, demonstrating problem-solving skills and engineering principles. Similarly, A Scientist Like Me inspired hands-on mini science experiments, showing how curiosity drives scientific discovery.
Some activities focused on the hidden science in everyday life. Pupils reading A Super Sticky Mistake got messy with slime-making, exploring the properties of different materials. What Are Germs? led to a fascinating session on microbiology, where pupils participated in germ experiments using paint to visualize how bacteria and viruses spread.
Sustainability and environmental consciousness were highlighted in activities inspired by A Place for Plastic, where pupils created artwork using recycled rubbish, learning about the impact of waste on the planet. Meanwhile, What Causes a Rainbow? introduced pupils to light experiments, exploring how prisms and water can break light into its colourful spectrum.
Technology and computing also played a role in the celebrations. Counting on Katherine took pupils to the ICT room, where they explored computing concepts related to space and engineering. On the Origin of Species introduced them to coding, demonstrating how patterns and logic shape our understanding of the natural world.
Science extended into art, movement, and design in several activities. Pupils reading The DNA Book constructed origami DNA models, visually representing the building blocks of life. Illumanatomy provided an interactive lesson on the skeletal and muscular systems, while My Inside Body linked science with movement and PE, encouraging pupils to understand how their own bodies function.
The wonders of the ocean were explored through Manfish, which introduced pupils to oceanography and the mysteries of the deep sea. Meanwhile, The Stuff of Stars combined art and poetry, helping pupils express the vastness and beauty of space through creative writing.
In a nod to engineering and invention, Laika & Rover – A Mars Collaboration saw pupils constructing straw-powered rockets, learning about propulsion and aerodynamics. Inspired by Heath Robinson Absurdities, another group of pupils designed their own over-the-top contraptions, mirroring the whimsical and intricate machines from the book.
Pupils also engaged in discussions and debates, bringing literature to life through thoughtful conversation. Lights on Cotton Rock inspired a class debate, alongside a creative writing session where pupils designed a "Magic and Wonder" spacecraft through descriptive prose. Meanwhile, Little People, Big Dreams encouraged discussions on endangered animals, prompting pupils to think critically about conservation efforts.
The day concluded with a celebration assembly, where pupils came together to showcase their creations, share their discoveries, and reflect on their experiences. It was a day filled with curiosity, hands-on learning, and a love for reading—an inspiring reminder of how books can open up a world of imagination and exploration.
Ranby House is excited to introduce Clancy Briggs cycling sessions for Nursery pupils as part of its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision. These sessions will provide children with a fun and engaging way to develop essential skills, such as balance, coordination, and gross motor skills.
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Nestled in the heart of the Nottinghamshire countryside, Ranby House has stood as a symbol of tradition and excellence since its construction in the late 18th century. Since 1948, this historic home has been the beating heart of boarding life, welcoming generations of pupils through its doors. Today, Ranby House is embracing a new era of boarding, blending its heritage with a fresh, modern approach that reflects the needs of today’s children.