Is God calling you to Ridley Hall?

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A message from the Principal

Ridley Hall is a beacon of Christian learning and formation with an international reputation for delivering excellent training for Christian leaders. At the heart of the community is a deep love for God, a desire for His presence and a longing to worship and serve Him.

Choosing Ridley means joining a community that will help you to draw closer to God, to be transformed by His love and to be well prepared to make a difference in His world.

Flourishing in diversity

The men and women who study at Ridley range in age from early twenties to late fifties and come to us from a wide range of backgrounds. Carpenters train side-by-side with police officers, accountants, lawyers, television executives, teachers and youth workers.

Whatever your age, professional background or previous level of academic study, you will be warmly welcomed and helped to flourish at Ridley.

“I was asked what one thing sums up studying at Ridley. I thought about it and realised it is the peace that hits you as soon as you walk through the entrance. I love it. Everyone who works there just spills over with Jesus."

Beth Mead,
Ridley Lay Ministry student

Lay and ordination students side by side

Just under half of our students are preparing for ordained ministry in the Church of England. The other half of our community is formed by students from a range of Christian traditions and denominations. Many are taking advantage of Ridley's long history of providing training pathways for those called to children's, youth, and sports ministry, while others are taking advantage of our pre-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate study options to respond to the calling God has placed on their lives.

The fact that we train lay and ordained ministers in close proximity is one of Ridley’s many strengths and is a real blessing for the wider Church.

“Send us out in the power of your Spirit”

Through a lively blend of communal worship, classroom study, stimulating placements, individual tutorials and shared living, our students grow in Christ-like character and in confidence for mission. Students are sent out from Ridley to be leaders in local churches throughout the UK and beyond.

Training at Ridley means that you will be well equipped to be an agent of God’s transformation in your local community; sharing the Good News of Jesus in word and deed, helping to enable reconciliation, encourage hope and generate joy.

The Revd Dr Michael Volland
Principal