Life at Rich’s extends far beyond the classroom, with pupils benefitting from a wealth of opportunities that broaden horizons, build confidence and develop essential life skills. Thanks to the generosity of those who contribute to the School Development Fund, we are able to provide programmes and resources that government funding alone cannot cover.

A key example is our team of native-speaking language assistants. Supporting French, German and Spanish, they bring languages to life through authentic conversation practice and cultural exchange. Pupils gain confidence in their spoken language, develop a deeper understanding of global cultures, and are better prepared for examinations and life in a multilingual world. This year, our Year 10 pupils also took part in a German exchange with Otto-Hahn Gymnasium in Göttingen, staying with host families, experiencing German culture first-hand, and strengthening both their language skills and their sense of global citizenship.

The School Library continues to play a central role in daily life. Beyond supporting academic study, it inspires a love of reading through events such as the House Reading Challenge and World Book Day celebrations, which saw pupils across all year groups engaging with literature in creative and competitive ways. Thanks to the generosity of donors, new stock and digital resources were added this year, ensuring that pupils have access to a wide range of books and research materials. The PTFA also supported investment in new equipment, including a suite of music keyboards, which enriches both the library and wider cultural life at Rich’s.

Equally transformative is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, one of the largest extracurricular programmes at the School, with over 200 pupils involved across Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. A highlight of the year was the Gold by Foot Practice Expedition in the Black Mountains in spring 2025, where students demonstrated teamwork, resilience and independence across several demanding days of hiking. Alongside expeditions, pupils contributed hundreds of volunteering hours to local charities, schools and community groups, making a meaningful impact far beyond the School gates.

Together, these opportunities enrich daily life at Rich’s, offering experiences that nurture independence, resilience and a lifelong curiosity about the world. They complement our academic achievements and ensure every pupil has the chance to grow in character as well as knowledge.