Rydal Penrhos is working hard to prepare for what should be a safe and happy summer term following the Easter break.

It’s been a difficult academic year for everyone at Rydal Penrhos thanks to COVID-19 concerns. It began with strict social distancing measures during the autumn term and developed into the second educational lockdown following the Christmas break, which lasted almost the entire spring term for some year groups.

However, every pupil was back on-site during the final week of term, which was fabulous to see and enabled Rydal Penrhos pupils to acclimatise to familiar surroundings in pursuit of hitting the ground running for the eagerly anticipated summer term.

Staff at the school have worked tirelessly to ensure a safe and happy environment for pupils when face-to-face learning was permitted to resume by the Welsh Government. No stone was left unturned when it came to precautions, which typified the approach from Rydal Penrhos that centred solely on pupil progression both at school and during an exceptional online learning provision over the last 12 months.

This effort has been aided by an outstanding commitment from pupils and incredible support from parents – reflecting the Rydal Penrhos family ethos that has been at the heart of the school’s success ever since its inception.

With coronavirus cases rapidly decreasing across the country and vaccine rollouts continuing, things are starting to make a return to some semblance of normality.

At Rydal Penrhos, pupils will still be in their respective bubble groups in accordance with government guidelines, but there will be plenty of exciting things planned such as activities and events throughout the next few weeks for pupils young and old before the end of the academic year.

The school’s outstanding clubs and enrichment programme will return, with elements such as Forest School, Coastal School, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Combined Cadet Force and Sport making a welcome return to the calendar.

Plans for Sports Day, Speech Days and Concerts have been arranged and will go ahead providing there are no further complications where COVID-19 is concerned, which will be another fantastic boost to everyone associated with the school after so much disruption to the usual schedule.

This is obviously a situation that the school’s leadership team will be monitoring closely. Rydal Penrhos has demonstrated an ability to adapt that is second to none during the pandemic, which has seen teaching staff learn new skills, the introduction of free iPads to enhance learning and plenty of exciting developments behind the scenes to provide a sustainable future for Rydal Penrhos.

Lucy Davies, Head of Rydal Penrhos Prep School, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming back all of our pupils on 20 April.

“Please be assured that, as a school, we continue to update our COVID risk assessment on a very regular basis and are always in line with current Welsh Government guidance.”

It has been a monumental effort from everybody involved. The school cannot thank staff, pupils, family members and governors enough for their dedication to progression in difficult circumstances over the last year. Here’s hoping for brighter times ahead!

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Anyone wishing to enquire about Rydal Penrhos School can do so by calling 01492 530155, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or register your interest online here: https://rydalpenrhos.com/admissions/apply-now.