Rydal Penrhos School
Rydal Penrhos School is a co-ed boarding and day school in Bay, Conwy, educating pupils aged 2 - 18 and founded in 1880. Boarding fees are £14,166 - £15,333 per term. Our advice on this school is independent and free.
- Type
- Co-ed boarding & day
- Boarders from
- 16 - 18
- Ethos
- Methodist
- Guardian required
- Yes
About Rydal Penrhos
The story, ethos and character of Rydal Penrhos.
- Setting
- Town
- Ethos
- Methodist
- Head
- Mr Thomas Hutchinson
An Exceptional Education Since 1880. Set in one of the most beautiful parts of the United Kingdom, Rydal Penrhos School is co-educational for pupils aged 2 - 18. Framed by the mountains of Snowdonia and the beautiful North Wales coast. Rydal Penrhos was founded in 1880 and , boasts exceptional exam results, a wide and varied curriculum, a host of sporting and extra curricular activities, all set within a stunning, Grade 2 listed campus.
Our facilities include state of the art sporting facilities, theatres and performances spaces, engineering workshops, art studios and endless outdoor spaces for our pupils and staff to enjoy throughout the year. Sports: 4 full sized rugby pitches All weather, floodlight outdoor pitches (installed 2025) Heated indoor swimming pool Gym and fitness centre Sports Hall Squash Courts (coming in 2026) Athletics Track (Summer Term Only) 2 Cricket Pitches (Summer Term Only) Music and Performance: Memorial Hall Theatre - Seating for 350, stage, professional sound and light systems Osborn Hall - Stunning performance and event space, seating for 200 Drama Studio - Performance and rehearsal space Music Studio Recording Studio Practice Rooms Specialist Subjects: Design Technology Workshop Specialist Art Studio (with kiln and photography rooms) Outdoor Education: Dry Slope skiing Indoor and outdoor climbing Rydal Penrhos RYA Accredited sailing school Mountain walks and hiking What the school is known for?
Rydal Penrhos is widely regarded as one of the leading independent schools in North Wales, combining exceptional academic outcomes with a commitment to the personal growth and wellbeing of every pupil.
Year after year, pupils achieve outstanding GCSE and A-level results, securing places at top universities across the UK and beyond. Small class sizes and highly experienced teachers ensure that each child receives individual attention and a bespoke learning experience, enabling them to reach their full potential.
Beyond the classroom, Rydal Penrhos has a proud sporting tradition. From rugby and cricket to hockey, swimming and sailing, pupils benefit from first-class coaching and facilities, with many representing their county, region and even their country.
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Academics at Rydal Penrhos
What pupils study at Rydal Penrhos — and where it takes them.
This section provides information on: The curriculum, performing and creative arts, English as an additional , and special educational needs (SEN). About the curriculum As one of the leading independent schools in North Wales and the North West, richness, through breadth of experience and depth of study, is our goal.
At Rydal Penrhos School you will find a broad and balanced learning programme which caters for a wide range of abilities and interests. We care for the individual and are able to tailor the curriculum to suit diverse needs. Our curriculum also allows for increasing choice and specialisation as pupils move through the school.
Programmes offered
Subjects offered
Where our leavers go
Rydal Penrhos leavers go on to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the UK and overseas, reflecting the school's strong academic tradition and breadth of opportunity. Recent destinations include the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as leading institutions such as Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Manchester, Liverpool, Imperial College London, York, Bath and Warwick.
Pupils have also secured places at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, pursuing specialist training in the creative arts, and one graduate was awarded a golf scholarship to the University of Idaho in the United States. Alongside traditional higher education, increasing numbers of Rydal Penrhos pupils are choosing high-level degree apprenticeships with world-class employers.
Recent examples include Rolls Royce, the NHS, Qioptic and Jaguar Land Rover. These pathways underline the school's commitment to providing a bespoke learning experience, preparing each individual for success in the route that best matches their ambitions and talents.
Figures are indicative — contact us for the latest results.
Boarding at Rydal Penrhos
Day-to-day boarding life and pastoral care at Rydal Penrhos.
- Boarding houses
- Girls 0, Boys 0, Mixed 1
- Exeat weekends
- No
- Guardian required
- Yes
- Saturday lessons
- No
Penrhos is an extension of our community and our staff take great care to ensure that every pupil is settled in the boarding house, is happy and enjoying school life. Our Boarding House, New House, is located opposite the main school campus and is a welcoming 'family' home with large sitting room, kitchen facilities and shared bedrooms and bathrooms.
Pupils are encouraged to their own touches to their room and to participate in evening and weekend cultural and leisure activities. There are extensive evening and weekend activity programmes which include cultural, sporting and leisure activities both on and off campus.
A genuine home away from home
Our Boarding House Glan Aber is a warm and welcoming 'family' home, led by our house parents where you will find a varied programme of weekend and evening activities. Pupils are expected to keep their bedrooms tidy for our housekeeping team and to participate in a rota of duties.
House parents are always on-site and are extensively trained in pastoral, first aid and safeguarding skills. Each shared bedroom includes individual wardrobe and storage areas along with a desk and working space. Bathrooms are shared and there is a large sitting room with TV, games console and a fully equipped kitchen.
We can arrange trusted UK guardianship for international families.
Rydal Penrhos admissions
How children join Rydal Penrhos, and how we make it simple.
Tell us about your child
Share their age, interests and what you're looking for. Our advice is completely free.
We shortlist & introduce
We match you to the right schools and make the introductions to their admissions teams.
Assessment, offer & enrolment
We guide you through entrance assessments and interviews, and handle visas and guardianship if needed.
What you'll typically need
- Recent school reports or transcript
- Passport copy
- English-language evidence (if applicable)
- Completed registration form
- A reference from the current school
We accept pupils at all points throughout the school year including those requesting to re-take exam years and for those looking for short stay immersion courses. Special notes to agents about entry to the school Boarding is only available for Sixth Form pupils, Immersion courses are available for Years 10 - 13 and on a request basis.
Application procedure and entrance tests Boarding: 1. Completion of the International Registration Form and online payment of the £250 Registration Fee 2. Submission of supporting documentation (Birth Certificate, Passports, current school information) 3.
As your advisors we manage the application end-to-end at no cost.
Rydal Penrhos fees & funding
What Rydal Penrhos costs, what's included, and how we help with funding.
What termly boarding fees include
- Tuition
- Boarding accommodation
- All meals
- Pastoral & house care
- Most academic materials
Funding & scholarships
Registration deposits, EAL tuition, uniform and trips are usually charged separately. Many schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships plus means-tested bursaries — ask us and we'll send a full, current breakdown for Rydal Penrhos.
Fees change year to year and by entry point. As your independent advisors we hold up-to-date figures and can compare Rydal Penrhos against similar schools so you know exactly what to budget.
Figures shown are the latest we hold — we'll confirm current fees on enquiry.
Rydal Penrhos location & travel
Where Rydal Penrhos is, and how to get there.
Travel details Address Pwllycrochan Avenue, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL29 7BT, Wales Airport transfer Airport Transfers available using school transport from either Manchester or Liverpool international airports. Travel time to London by train Less than 3 hours Telephone +44 (0)1492 530 155 Website https://rydalpenrhos.
com/ +2 photos Most convenient airports Airport Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Manchester 69 70 2. Liverpool John Lennon 60 60 Most convenient train stations Station Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Colwyn Bay 0.5 2 2. Llandudno Junction 4 10 Local accommodation Llandudno (10 minute drive) - Here you will find excellent accommodation including the St Georges Hotel and the Imperial.
Rydal Penrhos — frequently asked questions
Where is Rydal Penrhos?
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Does Rydal Penrhos require a UK guardian?
How many pupils study A-levels at Rydal Penrhos?
What qualifications does Rydal Penrhos offer?
Does Rydal Penrhos support SEN or EAL students?
How many boarding houses does Rydal Penrhos have?
Are there compulsory exeat weekends at Rydal Penrhos?
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Does Rydal Penrhos accept international students?
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Where exactly is Rydal Penrhos?
Considering Rydal Penrhos for your child?
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