Rydal Penrhos is looking forward to welcoming every pupil and staff member back for the start of the new academic year over the next few days.

Staff at the school have been working exceptionally hard to ensure a safe environment for Rydal Penrhos pupils from Pre-School to Sixth Form. This will enable them to focus on learning and continue to thrive upon their return.

Years 3 to 6, 10 and 12 (for one day only) plus Year 7 starts back on Thursday 3 September, with Pre-School, Reception, Years 1, 2, 7, 11 and 13 beginning their academic year on Friday 4.

This will further ease their transition before all Rydal Penrhos pupils return on Monday 7 September.

Prep School head Lucy Davies and Estates Manager Richard Smith have co-ordinated the COVID-19 risk assessment, which is a working document that focuses on every area of the school and the safety measures that need to be implemented.

The school has been in constant contact with Conwy county council regarding an ever-changing situation, and the incredible commitment shown by teaching and support staff during this unprecedented time is a further indication of the care and thought that goes on behind the scenes to ensure each pupil gets the most out of their education.

It follows on from Rydal Penrhos’ exceptional work throughout the community during the coronavirus pandemic, which saw keyworker childcare opened to non-parents of the school, boarding houses accommodating frontline workers and a PPE project that produced thousands of protective masks for NHS staff and other facilities across the region.

The school is fortunate to have 38 acres of grounds to give pupils plenty of room to relax, move around and feel safe.  Prep School children will continue to benefit from their Forest and Coastal School initiatives to further enhance their early development.

Mrs Davies, said: “Rydal Penrhos has taken the advice of the Welsh Government and implemented a full school buildings survey to work out which areas limit the ability to maintain social distancing.

“As a result of this several areas of the school site have been identified as areas where face coverings must be worn. These include corridor and other walk-through areas in senior school.

“All Senior school pupils have therefore been advised that it will be necessary to bring a well-fitting face mask to school every day.

“All staff, both Prep and Senior will also need to wear face coverings in these areas. Face coverings are already mandatory on school transport and are encouraged for any pupil or staff who is anxious and feels they would like to wear a face-covering for all activities except dining and PE.

“Rydal Penrhos values every pupil and staff member and goes above and beyond government advice in order to ensure that every member of the school community feels as safe as possible.”

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Rydal Penrhos is now able to offer socially distanced tours to prospective pupils and their families.

For more information email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com, prep@rydalpenrhos.com or book online at https://rydal.wpengine.com/open-days-visits.