Ridley Hall - Cambridge

Ben B.

It has been a privilege to be training at Ridley Hall for my last 3 years. I arrived at Ridley rather nervous, with limited formal qualifications and additional learning needs. Being Dyslexic and Dyspraxic had meant that I had quite a rough ride with compulsory education, but Ridley has been so supportive of my learning needs that it has eased my transition back into learning.

My father trained at Ridley 20 years ago, and I grew up here as a child. One thing that we have both said 20 years on is that Ridley provides training for ordinands and lay ministers for the world and the Church which we are living in now, and not of years gone by. This is vital for being trained to lead a Church for a different world. I thank God for giving me this opportunity, and what I have learnt here will hold me in good stead for ordained ministry in his church.

Peter D.

I have spent the last 3 years training for ordained ministry at Ridley Hall. I am so grateful for that time, Ridley is a wonderful place! The buildings are beautiful, the community has been amazing and the staff are outstanding. My prayer was that I/we would leave Ridley with deep faith, deep learning and deep friendships and God has been kind enough to answer that prayer.

Ridley is in the evangelical tradition and works closely with other the many other theological colleges in the federation especially Westcott and Westminster. Provision of teaching is from all of these colleges as well as the University of Cambridge so it is a stimulating and stretching environment.

Full-time students (mostly but not entirely ordinands) either live on site or have a study room on site. These rooms are arranged in staircases and the staircase group becomes a crucial fellowship and support group. I spent 2 years on G staircase and 1 year on B staircase!

The whole community pray together regularly with Morning Prayer at 8:15 each morning and weekly communion services. This rhythm frames everything else that goes on at the college.

There is a new library which is now accessible. It is located in the basement but I always found it to be a great place to work.

Ridley also has an outstanding catering team, and Howie is a superb head chef so you can rely on delicious food to keep you going all year round!

Ridley has my wholehearted recommendation!

Kiran L.

Space to grow. I found out that I am a performance poet and hip hop artist as a result of the opportunities to be creative and encouragement in this gifting given by the staff here. Training to be a minister in the Church of England is weird, but Ridley is a community where it is OK for God to provide the answer to the question "How can I be myself here?"

TRACEY-ANNE H.

Had a private dinner at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. Beautifully cooked and presented food of exceptional quality. The venue had our guests in awe which was the affect we had wanted. Ticked wvery single box for us.

Dan L.

I'm finishing my 3rd year training at Ridley Hall. Ridley isn't only a beautiful small college but a welcoming community. If you're visiting do ask if you can pop in the chapel with its wonderful stain glass windows. One of my favourite places in the world

Chris C.

Great place, friendly chatty people but some serenity and quiet too!

Joanna H.

A very special place to me - a true home while I've been here for theological training

Patrick K.

A real blessing to be called into this amazing environment to discern Gods will, learn, disagree well and make new friends.