
Leading up to our Sixth Form Information Evening on Wednesday 25 November (from 5pm), we will be running a series focusing on just a teaser of recent success stories from Rydal Penrhos Sixth.
Elysia Gilman’s love of art started when she joined Rydal Penrhos in Year 3. Nurtured throughout her school life by the school’s inspirational Art Department – who let each and every pupil try all mediums so that they can see where their love and talents lie – she emerged as gifted in drawing and painting and in time she secured her top university choice of Loughborough to study Fine Art.
After completing the foundation phase of the course, Elysia took the bold move to start her own business due to the concerns surrounding COVID-19, which is something she always dreamt of and has already seen plenty of notoriety regarding her work.
Elysia’s talent also brought some significant national success during her time at school, which saw the former pupil emerge victorious from the Under 18 category at the annual Museum of Modern Art for Wales competition, and her work was put on display at a high-profile exhibition held in Machynlleth.
Those attending the exhibition also recognised her immense qualities and Elysia received the Public Vote distinction for her portrait of sister Lydia – a current Sixth Form pupil – from the showcase.
Elysia was also an exceptional role model to younger members of the Rydal Penrhos community. She was appointed as a Prefect in Year 13 and was always on hand to lend support and guidance to those following in her footsteps.
This was particularly evident within the Art department, where Elysia would regularly hold special workshops for other aspiring senior school artists to pass on her expertise and assist with their development.
Elysia has kept a close connection to Rydal Penrhos since departing for higher education. Her effort selling prints of Colonel Tom Moore assisted with the fundraising for the school’s recent PPE project during the coronavirus pandemic and she also painted former Principal Michael James for his daughter Sarah James – who is the school’s Pupil Liaison Officer.
Without doubt, Elysia is a tremendous example of what a Rydal Penrhos education can provide – and a true Sixth Form success story.
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Guests are invited to register for an appointment for our Sixth Form Information Evening on Wednesday 25 November using our online form, by emailing admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or calling 01492 530155 and asking for admissions.
If you are unable to attend our Sixth Form Information Evening, but would like to arrange for a private socially distanced tour please contact admissions on 01492 530155 or admissions@rydalpenrhos.com.









