Rydal Penrhos School was proudly represented at the historic occasion of King Charles III’s official birthday.

Three Rydal Penrhos parents participated in the awe-inspiring flypast over The Mall and Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour Ceremony.

In a magnificent display, the three-ship formation of Hawk T2s were piloted by Rydal Penrhos parents Sqn Ldr Jewsbury, Sqn Ldr Payne and Flt Lt Skinner.

Sqn Ldr Jewsbury shared his experience, stating: “To be part of such a spectacular flypast for His Majesty the King’s birthday was a career highlight for the three of us. It is a phenomenal honour and an incredible sight to glance down at the sea of Union Jacks along The Mall as you approach the Palace.

“It wasn’t a piece of cake though. Behind the scenes, we all had to safely navigate the heavy showers some 20 minutes before; it was a huge relief as the blue skies of London opened up as we crossed the M25 heading to the Palace in such a graceful 34-aircraft formation!”

Being so proudly represented at such a prestigious and important event is a significant moment for Rydal Penrhos, highlighting the thriving armed forces community within our school.

Rydal Penrhos operates bus transport links serving pupils across North Wales, including key armed forces communities like Valley, which has helped establish the school as the educational provider of choice for service families across North Wales.

In keeping with the school’s standard of excellence, Rydal Penrhos continues to strive to provide ever improving support for its armed forces community.

In March, the school signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to offer fair and equal provision to individuals with service backgrounds. Since then, the school has achieved the Bronze Award in the Armed Forces Friendly Schools Cymru initiative and, most recently, the Silver Award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.

Rydal Penrhos takes great pride in its service personnel and veterans, and this latest achievement stands as a powerful testament to all those in our community who serve in HM Armed Forces. Their dedication to defending our liberties and freedoms paves the way for our children and young people to flourish in the future.