University Counselling

Each Ridley College student is encouraged to think big about their life after Ridley.

To help them on this journey, we offer a comprehensive and personalized guidance programme to students and their parents. Our team offers a world-leading guidance and university counselling programme to ensure each student is able to find their 'right fit' after graduation.

Class of 2026

Notable Statistics

Meet Our Recent Graduates

At Ridley College, we offer our students the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, equipping our grads with the tools they need to flourish in a global society. These recent graduates are a testament to the transformative power of a Ridley education. Their diverse talents and achievements reflect the collective pursuit of excellence and the unwavering commitment to passion and personal growth that defines the Ridley experience. 

Class of 2025

Past Graduates

• Zixuan (Alex) Li ‘24 and Bobo Li ‘24 (Mandarin)
• Nina Wu ‘24
• Loukas Massis ‘24
• Jessica MacKinnon ‘24

Matriculation List for 2024-2026

PATHWAY TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Our guidance team takes a personalized approach to prepare students for their university careers by helping them discover their passions and which courses and institutions will be the right fit for them. Our counsellors have decades of experience in both international and domestic university guidance and are part of a dedicated department that prides itself on knowing and supporting each Upper School student through to graduation - and often beyond! Students and their parents develop a relationship with their counsellor, who will mentor, counsel and prepare them for the next step in their academic journey.

Grade 9: Think Big

Grade 9 is a time for exploration and self-discovery. The academic program is largely compulsory, giving students the opportunity to experience a broad range of subjects and activities.

In University Counselling, we encourage students to Think Big about their future. This begins with reflection, curiosity, and an openness to new possibilities. Through advisory and Saturday programming, we meet students where they are, helping them identify their strengths, interests, and emerging passions through engaging and age-appropriate activities.

At this stage, opportunities are wide open. We encourage students to explore, take academic risks, and begin to consider the many pathways that lie ahead.

Grade 10: Focus In

Grade 10 builds on this foundation, with students beginning to focus more intentionally on their academic interests while looking ahead to a personalized pathway.

While the curriculum remains largely compulsory, students engage in forward-thinking programming through the Careers course, which is required for all students and partially delivered by the University Counselling Team. This course serves as a key platform for future planning.

Students begin to design and reflect on their Grade 11 and 12 academic plans, explore potential post-secondary pathways, and build an initial university “long list.” They also work to connect their skills and interests to future academic and career possibilities.

The culminating assessment invites students to articulate their passions and how they align with their course selections and future goals, providing meaningful insight for both students and families.

Grade 11: Find Your Fit

Grade 11 is a pivotal year focused on refinement and intentional planning. With increased academic choice, students select courses with purpose, building on the groundwork established in earlier years.

At this stage, we formally introduce the University Roadmap, a structured approach to navigating the university research and application process. Our goal is to help students Find Their Fit by aligning their academic choices, co-curricular experiences, and personal interests into a compelling and authentic story.

Students engage in a high-impact experience with their University Counsellor through one-on-one meetings, small group sessions, and larger programming. Advisory remains an important touchpoint, ensuring consistent support and communication with both students and families.

By the end of Grade 11, students enter the summer before their final year with a clear, proactive plan and the confidence needed to begin the application process.

Grade 12: Tell Your Story

Grade 12 is a time for action. The preparation and reflection of previous years culminate in thoughtful and well-crafted university applications.

We recognize that this process can feel overwhelming, which is why the University Counselling Team provides extensive support throughout the fall term. With strong counsellor-to-student ratios, each student meets individually with their counsellor—often multiple times—to ensure they feel confident and fully supported.

This is the moment for students to Tell Their Story. Through both academic and personal experiences, we work closely with each student to ensure they are represented at their very best.

Following application submission, we continue to guide students and families as decisions unfold. The final year brings both excitement and uncertainty, and we remain a steady source of support as students make their final choice and take their next steps toward Finding Their Fit.

Postsecondary Athletic Counselling 

The Postsecondary Athletic Counsellor is a unique position at Ridley that is focused on:

• Educating athletes and families on the NCAA/U Sports eligibility process.
• Providing 1-on-1 support to athletes of all grades during the eligibility process, including school research and document submissions.
• Acting as the primary liaison between postsecondary institutions and Ridley for international student eligibility.

Ridley athletes who are interested in this unique support are invited to complete an intake form followed by a meeting with the Postsecondary Athletic Counsellor to discuss their goals.

MEET OUR TEAM