Rydal Penrhos has set out its Promise; six core tenets that define the minimum standards that children, parents, carers, and families can rely on us to deliver, year-after-year. In this new series of articles, we unpack each part of The Rydal Penrhos Promise, and explain what it means for the young people in our care.
1. Small class sizes, experienced teachers, exceptional academic results.
When it comes to private education, academic excellence should be a given. However, this is not always the case. Whether a school is independent or maintained, only those that prioritize academic success in all aspects of day-to-day life can consistently deliver exceptional exam results and foster improvement across a spectrum of academic abilities.
At Rydal Penrhos, our unwavering commitment to academic success is evidenced in our track record of examination results. Our pupils have consistently achieved outstanding GCSE and A-Level returns, reaching new heights in recent years.
In 2021, the school set a new record with 70.5% of our pupils achieving A* to A grades at A-Level. Last summer, despite a national downturn in grades, particularly among independent schools, Rydal Penrhos pupils continued to excel. Our A-Level pupils achieved a 100% pass rate for the fourth consecutive year, while our GCSE results saw candidates achieve top grades (A* to A, or 9 to 7) at more than double the national average.
Our success can be attributed to a multitude of factors. From something as simple as the nutritious school meals that fuel our pupils each day, to our specialized Easter GCSE Revision Courses, which provide crucial support in the lead-up to the summer exams. Despite this, the cornerstone of any school’s academic success will always be the quality of its day-to-day lessons.
We thoroughly believe that the most critical factor determining lesson quality is the teacher. At Rydal Penrhos, our teachers bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their roles, thriving in an educational environment that enables them to excel, and positively impact the children and young people in their care.
The benefits of excellent teaching are magnified by the individual attention our teachers can provide to each pupil, thanks to our intentionally small class sizes. The benefits of small class sizes effect all parts of school life, from improved academic attainment to more effective pastoral care.
Our pupils work in small groups that promote engagement and collaboration, rather distraction and ill-discipline. Teachers can respond and adapt to the needs of their pupils as individuals, getting to know the unique characteristics of each learner. This allows each message to be tailored for maximum impact, not only resulting in better understanding, but greater inspiration.
As poet W.B. Yeats said, ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ At Rydal Penrhos, we pride ourselves on our meticulously designed academic approach, built around excellent educationalists and an excellent learning environment. This not only empowers our pupils to excel in their work, but also kindles a passion for lifelong learning and achievement, ensuring sustained success for years to come.
