Professional footballers in the UK can afford to live large and splurge on the best things in life, especially when it comes to education. As one of Forbes’s highest-paid athletes in 2022, Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo can afford to send his 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren to the best schools money can offer. His kids — Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, and daughter Alana — are reportedly attending The Ryleys School, according to Hola!. 

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. appears to be following in his father’s footsteps and plays for Manchester United under 12s.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and his younger siblings attend The Ryleys School in Cheshire, UK. Source: Gabriel Bouys/AFP

In 2020, Ronaldo was quoted saying: “We’ll see if my son will become a great footballer. He has potential. He is fast and dribbles well, but that is not enough.

“I always tell him that it takes work and dedication to have success. I won’t pressure him to become a footballer, but if you ask me if I want him to, yes I would like it. The most important thing is to become the best at whatever he does, whether it is as a footballer or a doctor.”

Schools can play an important role in how well a student can excel in their pursuits outside the classroom.

The school’s Julia Langford notes, “We believe in identifying each 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥’s talents, whether that be academic, musical, theatrical, artistic or sporting, and enable them to flourish in that particular area.”

So, what do we know about The Ryleys School? Here are five cool facts about it:

It’s a place where students enjoy a bespoke education

At The Ryleys School, their signature “Bespoke Education” approach offers personalised support for each student, which allows teachers to understand how students learn, what they enjoy and in which areas they excel.

This allows teachers to tailor their lessons to the individual from the start of their education until the end of Year 6, notes the school’s website.

So, whether a visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learner, students can be assured that their education will match their strengths.

Singapore Maths is taught

At The Ryleys School, students are put through their paces with the school’s “Singapore or mastery” approach which adheres to the Singapore Maths, Maths No Problem Scheme.

It aims to capitalise on students’ ability to think deeply about the mathematical concepts they are learning. It also builds self-confidence among learners with its inclusive approach.

Additional support is given to students who require more time to learn, rather than just focusing on pupils who grasp concepts quickly with rich and sophisticated problems.

Each topic is studied in-depth and the teacher does not move to the next stage until all students have demonstrated a sufficient understanding of the required mathematical concepts.

The findings published by the 2019 edition of The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (Timss) found that Singaporean students topped both the mathematics and science subjects of the international assessment, surpassing the achievements of students of 71 education systems.

Where students develop a global outlook

The Ryleys School have developed their own personalised curriculum called “Global Perspectives” which incorporates history, geography, beliefs and values.

Students are educated about the unity and interdependence of human society, cultural diversity, human rights justice, conflict resolution and sustainability — all of which help them to gain different cultural insights and practices.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., son of Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, kicks a ball at the end of the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on April 8, 2018. Source: Gabriel Bouys/AFP

Musical talents are also nurtured

The musical department at The Ryleys School encourages its students to develop musical abilities.

Students between the ages of one and 11 enjoy weekly music lessons. It also hosts frequent musical performances and many pupils enjoy private instrumental lessons leading the grade exams.

At the end of term, the school hosts a musical showcase where students get to demonstrate their instrument s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s — ranging from clarinet, guitar, piano and percussion — to an audience of over 100.

Success isn’t just about academics

At The Ryleys School, students are not just awarded for their academic achievements, but also for their behaviour and good deeds.

A merit badge is given to recognise the student’s personal growth, development and achievements outside of the academic arena. This could include good manners, consideration or acts of kindness or maturity.

Each time a student does something good, they complete a stage of the pathway to each Merit – bronze, silver and gold.