With the Welsh Veterans Awards set to take place tomorrow, the entire Rydal Penrhos community is alight with anticipation and admiration as we prepare to support one of our most valued and visionary educators—Mr Emyr Owen.
The ceremony, hosted by Radio X presenter Polly James at the Vale Resort in South Wales, will bring together extraordinary individuals from across the veteran community, and we are immensely proud that Mr Owen stands among them as a finalist for the prestigious ‘Inspiration of the Year’ award, sponsored by Porters Estate Agents.
Mr Owen is not simply a teacher—he is a catalyst for progress, a thoughtful leader, and a tireless advocate for young people. His work at Rydal Penrhos has profoundly shaped the school’s academic ethos, especially during the vital examination period.
Recognising the opportunity to enhance high-performance practices at Rydal Penrhos School, Mr Owen has led a transformative campaign to improve study practices and revision strategies. Drawing on both psychological insight and a deep care for pupil wellbeing, he has introduced research-backed methods that are helping pupils to revise smarter, build resilience, and perform at their very best. Consider our latest exam results – in which Rydal Penrhos candidates achieved the top GCSE grades at over 4x the national average rate – and the impact of this work is clear to see.
Mr Owen’s approach goes far beyond the technicalities of academic process. It is rooted in a philosophy that sees children and young people not as mere learners of content, but as complex individuals with unique stories. This perspective is enriched by his doctoral research, which seeks to shift how educators and professionals engage with the lived experiences of children—not as data points, but as deeply human narratives. It’s this humane, insightful lens that defines Mr Owen’s teaching.
Mr Owen’s contribution to Rydal Penrhos is all the more remarkable given the depth and breadth of his experience prior to joining the school. A former exhibition scholar at both Cambridge University and the University of Central Lancashire, he holds multiple academic degrees—including in Business, Theology, and Social Work—and has published scholarly papers, authored book chapters, and developed courses for pupils and professionals across fields such as leadership, wellbeing, law, and education. His professional life has been equally diverse: a senior civil servant, Anglican priest, academic, company director, commissioned officer in the British Army, and qualified teacher. These roles have informed his multidisciplinary teaching style and his empathetic, grounded approach to supporting pupils.
A passionate educator across the humanities, Mr Owen is also the architect behind the introduction of Level 3 Criminology at Rydal Penrhos. This bold curricular expansion has given pupils a dynamic new field of study, bridging sociology, psychology, and law, and nurturing analytical thinking and real-world engagement. Alongside this, he teaches Psychology and Business Studies, fostering classrooms where curiosity is cultivated and critical thought encouraged.
Beyond academics, Mr Owen is at the beating heart of the school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF). In his time, the programme has flourished—combining the discipline of military training with values of service, leadership and resilience. His military background lends authenticity and inspiration, while his inclusive approach ensures that every cadet feels empowered to grow in confidence and character.
This same spirit of care and excellence has marked every initiative Mr Owen touches—from his moving chapel address during the Month of the Military Child, to his unwavering championing of pupil voice. Always approachable, always committed, he is known for forging meaningful connections with pupils and colleagues alike.
As we look ahead to the Veterans Awards tomorrow, we do so with immense pride. Mr Owen’s journey—from a distinguished and varied career to becoming a pillar of the Rydal Penrhos community—is a true inspiration to us all. We stand with Mr Owen tomorrow, cheering him on every step of the way.
