What our parents say...
When I chose OLOR for my son, what stood out to me was the air of calm, kindness and community across the school.
When I chose OLOR for my son, what stood out to me was the air of calm, kindness and community across the school.
We had visited many others but they somehow seemed chaotic in comparison. We loved how the school felt and that it was rooted in Catholic ethos. I still remember being shown around by the most wonderfully polite, confident and mature student and I knew I wanted my child to develop in the same way.
We had visited many others but they somehow seemed chaotic in comparison. We loved how the school felt and that it was rooted in Catholic ethos. I still remember being shown around by the most wonderfully polite, confident and mature student and I knew I wanted my child to develop in the same way.
The school’s teachers are always clear in their expectations of a high standard of discipline and effort.
The school’s teachers are always clear in their expectations of a high standard of discipline and effort.
My son loves the school because above all they are caring and recognise the individual needs of a child. He has made great friends, some of whom he will move onto senior school with next September.
My son loves the school because above all they are caring and recognise the individual needs of a child. He has made great friends, some of whom he will move onto senior school with next September.
OLOR has excellent and incredibly hard working staff. Every single member really cares for the children and their communication is superb.
OLOR has excellent and incredibly hard working staff. Every single member really cares for the children and their communication is superb.
I don’t think I have seen a day in the whole time my son has attended, where the Head hasn’t been at the gate to greet the children in the morning, standing out in rain and snow! He makes every child feel counted and important.
I don’t think I have seen a day in the whole time my son has attended, where the Head hasn’t been at the gate to greet the children in the morning, standing out in rain and snow! He makes every child feel counted and important.
During this difficult time of Covid uncertainty, they have been fantastic and I do not feel that my child has missed out on any education through being in lockdown.
During this difficult time of Covid uncertainty, they have been fantastic and I do not feel that my child has missed out on any education through being in lockdown.
OLOR have provided the most wonderful, nurturing primary school experience for my son and I would say it is second to none.
OLOR have provided the most wonderful, nurturing primary school experience for my son and I would say it is second to none.
After visiting several schools in the area, we knew that OLOR was the perfect fit for our family. Sitting and listening to Mr Parascandolo and his team, it was clear just how much they cared for their school and every single child in it. From the start they were understanding of the fears parents face of their child starting school and they went out of their way to comfort and settle both the children and parents of every family. We particularly engaged with how the school spoke about every child having different areas of interest and ability and whilst they would support and teach them in all areas they would continue to encourage them to keep learning through the things that most appealed to them as individuals, and they have done just that.
After visiting several schools in the area, we knew that OLOR was the perfect fit for our family. Sitting and listening to Mr Parascandolo and his team, it was clear just how much they cared for their school and every single child in it. From the start they were understanding of the fears parents face of their child starting school and they went out of their way to comfort and settle both the children and parents of every family. We particularly engaged with how the school spoke about every child having different areas of interest and ability and whilst they would support and teach them in all areas they would continue to encourage them to keep learning through the things that most appealed to them as individuals, and they have done just that.
There isn’t a day that our son hasn’t ran into school with a beaming smile, he has made great friends and loves the time he has with his classmates and teachers. We are so proud that the areas he struggled in and lacked confidence in such as handwriting and drawing, we have not only seen so much improvement with but they are now things that he enjoys and sits and does at home voluntarily which just goes to show how engaging and confidence building his teachers have been.
There isn’t a day that our son hasn’t ran into school with a beaming smile, he has made great friends and loves the time he has with his classmates and teachers. We are so proud that the areas he struggled in and lacked confidence in such as handwriting and drawing, we have not only seen so much improvement with but they are now things that he enjoys and sits and does at home voluntarily which just goes to show how engaging and confidence building his teachers have been.
We all enjoy being part of the school community, from the year group Facebook pages, to the many events the school and parents put on every year, there is always someone to give advice and something for the children to look forward to.
We all enjoy being part of the school community, from the year group Facebook pages, to the many events the school and parents put on every year, there is always someone to give advice and something for the children to look forward to.
Our Lady of Ransom is a fantastic school led by an exceptional team.
Our Lady of Ransom is a fantastic school led by an exceptional team.
Our Lady of Ransom was the first school I looked at when choosing a school for my eldest child . I was struck by the similarities to my old catholic primary school and immediately felt at home there which was very reassuring . It felt like a very safe , secure and caring environment and I was confident that my daughter would thrive there .
Our Lady of Ransom was the first school I looked at when choosing a school for my eldest child . I was struck by the similarities to my old catholic primary school and immediately felt at home there which was very reassuring . It felt like a very safe , secure and caring environment and I was confident that my daughter would thrive there .
Our family have now been part of the OLOR community for the past ten years . All three children have throughly enjoyed their time at school and have made wonderful friendships which have continued even after leaving the school . The Christmas and summer fetes have always been huge highlights of their year. Numerous other events such as book week ,swimming galas, dressing up days , cake sales all also generate huge excitement and enjoyment for the children . As a parent I have always loved attending the yearly class assemblies .It is lovely to see your child and their class in action !
Our family have now been part of the OLOR community for the past ten years . All three children have throughly enjoyed their time at school and have made wonderful friendships which have continued even after leaving the school . The Christmas and summer fetes have always been huge highlights of their year. Numerous other events such as book week ,swimming galas, dressing up days , cake sales all also generate huge excitement and enjoyment for the children . As a parent I have always loved attending the yearly class assemblies .It is lovely to see your child and their class in action !
The school has strong links to the church and the Easter and Christmas performances are also very special and coffee mornings after Mass are a huge hit with the kids .
The school has strong links to the church and the Easter and Christmas performances are also very special and coffee mornings after Mass are a huge hit with the kids .
Our Lady of Ransom school has helped and supported my children as they've grown, the staff are wonderful, always approachable and smiling . I would not hesitate in recommending this wonderful school
Our Lady of Ransom school has helped and supported my children as they've grown, the staff are wonderful, always approachable and smiling . I would not hesitate in recommending this wonderful school
OLOR surpassed all my expectations - a more caring and aspirational school with such dedicated and hard working staff would be hard to find.
OLOR surpassed all my expectations - a more caring and aspirational school with such dedicated and hard working staff would be hard to find.
My daughter told me that she is particularly impressed that her teacher “always carries around a small white board so that she can sit beside and help children who are struggling with a question during a lesson. She always gives us the time we need and I love that!”
My daughter told me that she is particularly impressed that her teacher “always carries around a small white board so that she can sit beside and help children who are struggling with a question during a lesson. She always gives us the time we need and I love that!”
Catholicism is taught with an emphasis on part of the school’s ethos of kindness to all, with a growing understanding of God’s love. Religious events are included wholeheartedly in our busy school calendar and our wonderful community is often invited to take part, regardless of religious affinity.
Catholicism is taught with an emphasis on part of the school’s ethos of kindness to all, with a growing understanding of God’s love. Religious events are included wholeheartedly in our busy school calendar and our wonderful community is often invited to take part, regardless of religious affinity.
To send your child to OLOR is to belong to a warm and embracing wider community of supportive parents and their families who have often attended the school themselves, such is their ongoing love and commitment to it.
To send your child to OLOR is to belong to a warm and embracing wider community of supportive parents and their families who have often attended the school themselves, such is their ongoing love and commitment to it.
I honestly believe I have given both of my girls the best start in their lives. OLOR has been a wonderful school. Full of happy memories and a wonderful education. The teachers are so caring and the standard of teaching is first class. My daughters are both thriving in secondary school and that is all down to the teaching at OLOR.
I honestly believe I have given both of my girls the best start in their lives. OLOR has been a wonderful school. Full of happy memories and a wonderful education. The teachers are so caring and the standard of teaching is first class. My daughters are both thriving in secondary school and that is all down to the teaching at OLOR.
We chose Our Lady Of Ransom because we felt when we came to look around it was a good school that would teach our child good morals and teach them well, I love the school because everyone is friendly. They helped him settle in so well and the teachers are always there if you need a question answered. My child always loves to go to school and learn about new things. I look forward to seeing him move through the school and hopefully his younger brother will be joining him there in a couple of years.
We chose Our Lady Of Ransom because we felt when we came to look around it was a good school that would teach our child good morals and teach them well, I love the school because everyone is friendly. They helped him settle in so well and the teachers are always there if you need a question answered. My child always loves to go to school and learn about new things. I look forward to seeing him move through the school and hopefully his younger brother will be joining him there in a couple of years.
I originally chose OLOR as our catchment catholic primary school, that we were fortunate to live within walking distance to.
I originally chose OLOR as our catchment catholic primary school, that we were fortunate to live within walking distance to.
Having had three children attend the school, they have benefited from many different elements of the school. However, they all agree that the family ethos of the school, and the familiarity of routine are just a snippet of what they feel made them feel safe to learn. Some of their most treasured memories are the events that have supported their learning, such as the historical and cultural days in school where they could pretend to be Victorian children or Brazilian dancers.
Having had three children attend the school, they have benefited from many different elements of the school. However, they all agree that the family ethos of the school, and the familiarity of routine are just a snippet of what they feel made them feel safe to learn. Some of their most treasured memories are the events that have supported their learning, such as the historical and cultural days in school where they could pretend to be Victorian children or Brazilian dancers.
In addition, the school also supported our childrens’ journey through their faith by welcoming priests from the local parishes to host weekly mass, and through celebration of their holy communion as well as key religious festivals; alongside educating pupils about many faiths to ensure that a culture of acceptance was cultivated from Reception. That said, at no point did my children ever feel the religious education was overwhelming, and as a parent, I feel that the RE syllabus was delivered to complement students societal and historical learning.
In addition, the school also supported our childrens’ journey through their faith by welcoming priests from the local parishes to host weekly mass, and through celebration of their holy communion as well as key religious festivals; alongside educating pupils about many faiths to ensure that a culture of acceptance was cultivated from Reception. That said, at no point did my children ever feel the religious education was overwhelming, and as a parent, I feel that the RE syllabus was delivered to complement students societal and historical learning.
I initially chose to move my children to OLOR school as it was closer to where we lived, plus I had heard great reviews from local parents.
I initially chose to move my children to OLOR school as it was closer to where we lived, plus I had heard great reviews from local parents.
It really was the best decision I made. From day one, they both excelled, and my daughter continued to do after my son left for senior school. My children made new friends straight away, and maintained those friendships.
It really was the best decision I made. From day one, they both excelled, and my daughter continued to do after my son left for senior school. My children made new friends straight away, and maintained those friendships.
They are being taught extremely well in all areas, and I love the fact they learn about religion, which is something they didn’t have in their previous school. One aspect I personally love is the schools sense of community. Everybody is so friendly and helpful.
They are being taught extremely well in all areas, and I love the fact they learn about religion, which is something they didn’t have in their previous school. One aspect I personally love is the schools sense of community. Everybody is so friendly and helpful.
I asked my children what they love most about OLOR and they agreed that there are too many things to mention.
I asked my children what they love most about OLOR and they agreed that there are too many things to mention.
We chose OLOR primarily as it's a catholic school and it was important for us that she went to a school of our faith.
We chose OLOR primarily as it's a catholic school and it was important for us that she went to a school of our faith.
She loves the friends she has made, and the teacher that look after her.
She loves the friends she has made, and the teacher that look after her.
She comes home everyday saying how much fun she has had at school.
She comes home everyday saying how much fun she has had at school.
The care she has at school, is beyond what we expected, I think when Covid 19 enforced lock down, the way in which the whole process was managed for lock down and the continual daily care for the children is something that we will always be grateful for, ensuring our child could still have class but it would just be at home.
The care she has at school, is beyond what we expected, I think when Covid 19 enforced lock down, the way in which the whole process was managed for lock down and the continual daily care for the children is something that we will always be grateful for, ensuring our child could still have class but it would just be at home.
The religious nature of the school was exactly why we wanted our child to attend OLOR, everything she learns about the catholic faith is embedded from her school education, whilst also learning about other faiths too.
The religious nature of the school was exactly why we wanted our child to attend OLOR, everything she learns about the catholic faith is embedded from her school education, whilst also learning about other faiths too.
We could ask for a better PA community everyone is so helpful and supportive, OLOR really is one big family community.
We could ask for a better PA community everyone is so helpful and supportive, OLOR really is one big family community.
My daughter recently started reception at OLOR. I was nervous about how she would settle in considering the current restrictions but the school have been absolutely wonderful. We had the opportunity to meet the teachers prior to the start date and the change in settling in period with smaller group sizes really made sure that it wasn’t overwhelming for the children.
My daughter recently started reception at OLOR. I was nervous about how she would settle in considering the current restrictions but the school have been absolutely wonderful. We had the opportunity to meet the teachers prior to the start date and the change in settling in period with smaller group sizes really made sure that it wasn’t overwhelming for the children.
I’ve already had the opportunity to chat with the teacher, over Zoom, to discuss how my daughter has settled in and to agree on her focus areas. My daughter absolutely loves going into school and cannot wait to go and see her friends,
I’ve already had the opportunity to chat with the teacher, over Zoom, to discuss how my daughter has settled in and to agree on her focus areas. My daughter absolutely loves going into school and cannot wait to go and see her friends,
I’m so pleased with our choice of school and look forward to building our relationship with the school over the coming years.
I’m so pleased with our choice of school and look forward to building our relationship with the school over the coming years.
A truly amazing school. My son has blossomed since starting at OLOR. Amazing, supportive staff and amazing teachers!
A truly amazing school. My son has blossomed since starting at OLOR. Amazing, supportive staff and amazing teachers!
I have had 2 children at OLOR - both very different, one very academic and the other with learning difficulties. I can honestly say that the school have been fantastic for both children - supportive and encouraging each of them as needed to bring the best out of them.
I have had 2 children at OLOR - both very different, one very academic and the other with learning difficulties. I can honestly say that the school have been fantastic for both children - supportive and encouraging each of them as needed to bring the best out of them.
The school ethos has set my children up for secondary school and they are regularly praised for their behaviour and good manners.
The school ethos has set my children up for secondary school and they are regularly praised for their behaviour and good manners.
I wholeheartedly recommend the school to prospective parents and children!
I wholeheartedly recommend the school to prospective parents and children!
Our Lady of Ransom Primary School was chosen for our son because of the passion and love the teachers show for the children when teaching. They recognise the children as individuals and support them to become confident and well educated.
Our Lady of Ransom Primary School was chosen for our son because of the passion and love the teachers show for the children when teaching. They recognise the children as individuals and support them to become confident and well educated.
If extra support is needed this is quickly put into place and we can not think of a better school for our son.
If extra support is needed this is quickly put into place and we can not think of a better school for our son.
The ethos and community feel at the school is second to none and to be part of that for the past 6 years has been a pleasure and honour.
The ethos and community feel at the school is second to none and to be part of that for the past 6 years has been a pleasure and honour.
Despite our son having a few struggles at school academically, he wakes up each morning keen to go in, see his friends and learn.
Despite our son having a few struggles at school academically, he wakes up each morning keen to go in, see his friends and learn.
Friendships have been developed and we can honestly say the way the children are supported to make friends, be kind and caring towards others and learn from their mistakes is evident throughout the school and the amazing friendships our son has built has given our son the skills to continue to develop in society.
Friendships have been developed and we can honestly say the way the children are supported to make friends, be kind and caring towards others and learn from their mistakes is evident throughout the school and the amazing friendships our son has built has given our son the skills to continue to develop in society.
The religious nature of the school gives it that extra 'family' feel and the schools passion towards this is thread throughout the teaching.
The religious nature of the school gives it that extra 'family' feel and the schools passion towards this is thread throughout the teaching.
The community feel is something that is evident from the minute you have the first contact, view or start at the school. Everyone helps each other, the children very quickly learn this and the parents support the partnership with teachers and the school to continue this community spirit.
The community feel is something that is evident from the minute you have the first contact, view or start at the school. Everyone helps each other, the children very quickly learn this and the parents support the partnership with teachers and the school to continue this community spirit.
If we could choose again we would continue to choose Our Lady of Ransom over and over again and you wont be disappointed if you join this amazing school we can not recommend them enough.
If we could choose again we would continue to choose Our Lady of Ransom over and over again and you wont be disappointed if you join this amazing school we can not recommend them enough.
When my children run into school every morning with a huge smile on their face it says it all that they are part of a wonderful school and as a parent this makes me feel vey happy.
When my children run into school every morning with a huge smile on their face it says it all that they are part of a wonderful school and as a parent this makes me feel vey happy.
I trust the school completely in looking after my children as I know they truly care for every single child in the school.
I trust the school completely in looking after my children as I know they truly care for every single child in the school.
In these unprecedented times that we are currently living in you see just how wonderful our school community is and how we come together to do what we can to make our school a safe and caring place for our children to go to everyday.
In these unprecedented times that we are currently living in you see just how wonderful our school community is and how we come together to do what we can to make our school a safe and caring place for our children to go to everyday.
I am a volunteer at this school and I enjoy every minute from the time I walk into the school until the time I leave.
I am a volunteer at this school and I enjoy every minute from the time I walk into the school until the time I leave.
OLOR is very respected in the local community and I am truly blessed to have my children attend such a loving caring and respecting school.
OLOR is very respected in the local community and I am truly blessed to have my children attend such a loving caring and respecting school.
We went to see every single local school. Despite the fact that our lady of Ransom is the furthest from us; it shone out as the best school for our children for so many reasons. It’s principles and values were evident in all our interactions with both staff and pupils, the pupils themselves were very engaged, polite , and looked to be genuinely enjoying school and it has excellent academic standards.
We went to see every single local school. Despite the fact that our lady of Ransom is the furthest from us; it shone out as the best school for our children for so many reasons. It’s principles and values were evident in all our interactions with both staff and pupils, the pupils themselves were very engaged, polite , and looked to be genuinely enjoying school and it has excellent academic standards.
Furthermore, it’s religious underpinning is very important to us. I want our children to have a relationship with God, feel they are a part of God’s family and learn from Jesus’ example. I see this as a precious gift and something that was conspicuous in its absence in other schools.
Furthermore, it’s religious underpinning is very important to us. I want our children to have a relationship with God, feel they are a part of God’s family and learn from Jesus’ example. I see this as a precious gift and something that was conspicuous in its absence in other schools.
Our children love going to school. I feel our whole family is fully supported by and welcomed into the school community. It is a huge milestone sending children to school and into the care of teachers - but hand on heart I have never once questioned our choice of school. It is excellent.
Our children love going to school. I feel our whole family is fully supported by and welcomed into the school community. It is a huge milestone sending children to school and into the care of teachers - but hand on heart I have never once questioned our choice of school. It is excellent.
When I was looking around senior schools for my eldest child, a teacher pointed to my son’s Our Lady of Ransom uniform and stated - we can always tell an Our Lady child by their attitude and behaviour. That always stuck with me what a special school it is and the reputation that it has.
When I was looking around senior schools for my eldest child, a teacher pointed to my son’s Our Lady of Ransom uniform and stated - we can always tell an Our Lady child by their attitude and behaviour. That always stuck with me what a special school it is and the reputation that it has.
As an ex Our Lady student myself (there are a lot of us who return) I couldn’t be more complimentary about the education, care and sense of community here. You won’t regret choosing this school. Genuinely sad my daughter is in her last year here.
As an ex Our Lady student myself (there are a lot of us who return) I couldn’t be more complimentary about the education, care and sense of community here. You won’t regret choosing this school. Genuinely sad my daughter is in her last year here.
I chose OLOR for my eldest child as I wanted her to have a catholic education. OLOR had an outstanding reputation and academic record.
I chose OLOR for my eldest child as I wanted her to have a catholic education. OLOR had an outstanding reputation and academic record.
10 years later all four of my children have or are having an amazing primary education.
10 years later all four of my children have or are having an amazing primary education.
OLOR proved to be more than just a fantastic school when they accepted my third child. He had complex medical needs and developmental delay. All the staff embraced the huge challenge they faced - a challenge they had never faced before. He left the school in 2020 and is still in regular contact with his LSA's who became part of the family. The care they provided will never be forgotten.
OLOR proved to be more than just a fantastic school when they accepted my third child. He had complex medical needs and developmental delay. All the staff embraced the huge challenge they faced - a challenge they had never faced before. He left the school in 2020 and is still in regular contact with his LSA's who became part of the family. The care they provided will never be forgotten.
OLOR has a true passion and go above and beyond to ensure each child reaches their full potential.
OLOR has a true passion and go above and beyond to ensure each child reaches their full potential.
It truly teaches and practices the catholic way of life. Everyone is accepted
It truly teaches and practices the catholic way of life. Everyone is accepted
OLOR is more than just a school. It is a community. It works together and is there to support one another. As a parent you can not ask for more. There is always someone there.
OLOR is more than just a school. It is a community. It works together and is there to support one another. As a parent you can not ask for more. There is always someone there.
We as a family love being part of this amazing school.
We as a family love being part of this amazing school.
We chose OLOR as we wanted our Daughters to grow within a Catholic community and establish a good religious foundation.
We chose OLOR as we wanted our Daughters to grow within a Catholic community and establish a good religious foundation.
We have found the education to be of a very high standard and they are both enjoying learning.
We have found the education to be of a very high standard and they are both enjoying learning.
We feel they are safe and supported by the teachers. The communication is excellent.
We feel they are safe and supported by the teachers. The communication is excellent.
The traditional values mixed with forward thinking education has really worked for our family.
The traditional values mixed with forward thinking education has really worked for our family.
Our children are extremely happy and made wonderful friends at OLOR.
Our children are extremely happy and made wonderful friends at OLOR.
A welcoming, warm, inclusive school, both our girls are extremely happy at OLOR.
A welcoming, warm, inclusive school, both our girls are extremely happy at OLOR.
Brilliant, caring, enthusiastic staff, there is focus on academia but also sport,
Brilliant, caring, enthusiastic staff, there is focus on academia but also sport,
music and art giving opportunities for all children to shine.
music and art giving opportunities for all children to shine.
Also fantastic outdoor nature facilities makes this school all round amazing.
Also fantastic outdoor nature facilities makes this school all round amazing.
It was really important to us for our children to attend a faith school because of the values that make up the community and it’s also a great way to help shape their moral character. We love the collective vision of both the school team and parents, it creates a sense of unity and togetherness. Mr Parascandolo and his incredible team of staff and volunteers are passionate about the children having a great experience throughout their primary education and it’s apparent in the way OLOR operates. As a family of mixed ethnicity it was also important to send our children to a school in Rayleigh that has some level of diversity and that has only grown over the time we have attended. I do believe that OLOR is one of the best schools in the local area and we are so grateful to be a part of it and for our children to learn and grow in the safe, loving and nurturing environment that provides.
It was really important to us for our children to attend a faith school because of the values that make up the community and it’s also a great way to help shape their moral character. We love the collective vision of both the school team and parents, it creates a sense of unity and togetherness. Mr Parascandolo and his incredible team of staff and volunteers are passionate about the children having a great experience throughout their primary education and it’s apparent in the way OLOR operates. As a family of mixed ethnicity it was also important to send our children to a school in Rayleigh that has some level of diversity and that has only grown over the time we have attended. I do believe that OLOR is one of the best schools in the local area and we are so grateful to be a part of it and for our children to learn and grow in the safe, loving and nurturing environment that provides.
We chose Our Lady of Ransom for our child because we thought it had a friendly and welcoming community feel, as well as having heard great things about it from others with children already there. We feel that the religious nature of the school will help give our daughter a good moral compass for life and we feel that the religious focus contributes towards the community and caring environment we have experienced. Phoebe loves school and talks happily about her friends, teachers and learning.
We chose Our Lady of Ransom for our child because we thought it had a friendly and welcoming community feel, as well as having heard great things about it from others with children already there. We feel that the religious nature of the school will help give our daughter a good moral compass for life and we feel that the religious focus contributes towards the community and caring environment we have experienced. Phoebe loves school and talks happily about her friends, teachers and learning.
We’re incredibly pleased with our decision to choose Our Lady of Ransom.
We’re incredibly pleased with our decision to choose Our Lady of Ransom.
It’s an amazing school. Shows the children how to respect everyone around them. Which I believe sets the children up for life.
It’s an amazing school. Shows the children how to respect everyone around them. Which I believe sets the children up for life.
It’s also great for meeting new people. I believe it’s the best school in Rayleigh
It’s also great for meeting new people. I believe it’s the best school in Rayleigh