A proud moment for Rydal Penrhos at a distinguished gathering honouring Wales’s most Forces-friendly employers.
At Rydal Penrhos, commitment to service, leadership and community is woven into the fabric of daily school life. These values align closely with those upheld by the Armed Forces, making our longstanding support for military families, veterans, Reservists and Cadet Force volunteers both natural and deeply meaningful. This week, that dedication was recognised on a national stage in a ceremony rich with pride and purpose.
On Thursday 25 September 2025, Rydal Penrhos was officially presented with the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award at a prestigious event held at HMS CAMBRIA in Cardiff Bay. The glittering evening brought together twelve exemplary Welsh employers honoured by the Ministry of Defence for their exceptional support of the Armed Forces community. Representing the school was Maria McLean, Admissions and Marketing Manager, who joined fellow recipients from across Wales in a ceremony marked by tradition, gratitude and shared commitment.
The event opened with a warm welcome from James Evans MS and a stirring keynote address by Commodore Tris Kirkwood OBE ADC. Guests were treated to musical performances by the Regimental Band of The Royal Welsh and regimental harpist Cerys Rees, creating an atmosphere of celebration and reflection. For Rydal Penrhos, it was a proud and humbling occasion – an opportunity to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with organisations whose values mirror our own: integrity, resilience, and a deep sense of service.
Achieving Gold status requires more than fulfilling criteria; it demands a sustained, public commitment to Defence values and partnerships. Rydal Penrhos continues to lead in this space – from fostering relationships with RAF Valley, to hosting Wales’s only Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingent directly affiliated with the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards. This award follows a series of notable accolades, including a Welsh Veterans Award for teacher and veteran Mr Emyr Owen, and Sixth Form pupil Ceylin’s appointment as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Clwyd.
This recognition is a landmark moment – one that further cements Rydal Penrhos’s reputation as one of the UK’s most Forces-friendly schools.
Not just Forces-friendly; Rydal Penrhos is the first choice for families of all backgrounds looking for an outstanding education in North Wales. Discover this and much more at our Open Day, taking place Saturday 4 October. Complete the enquiry form, or contact our team at admissions@rydalpenrhos.com.
