Ruthin School Review: Rankings, Fees And More
Nestled in the picturesque county town of Denbighshire in North Wales, Ruthin School serves as a beacon of educational excellence with an enduring legacy of over 700 years. In this guide, we explore the ins and outs of what makes Ruthin School one of the premier boarding schools in Wales and the UK.
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Summary Of School
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 11-18
- Pupils: 350
- Fees: £42,700 per annum for full boarding
- 2023 A-Level Results: 70% A*-A
- 2022 GCSE Results: 78.3% 9-7 (2023 results not published)
Table of Contents
Ruthin School Overview
Ruthin School was has a long history dating back to 1284, when it was founded in the wake of Edward I’s conquest of Wales. The school was granted its Royal Charter in 1574. Today, the school has evolved into a modern institution with the aim of providing a strong academic foundation to students with big aspirations. The school’s success is evident from its diverse alumni, fondly referred to as ‘Old Ruthinians’, who have gone on to achieve remarkable feats in various fields, including sports, music, acting, and religious leadership.
Ruthin School Courses
Form 1-3 Curriculum (Key Stage 3):
- A broad curriculum encompassing various subjects.
- Mandatory studies in Personal, Social Education, and Physical Education.
- Participation in the Electives programme.
Additional Subjects Covered in Key Stage 3:
- Art
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Drama
- English (including English as an Additional Language if needed)
- Geography
- History
- Languages (French, Latin, Welsh, Spanish)
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physics
Curriculum Key Stage 4 (GCSE):
- Preparation for GCSEs with a choice of subjects.
- Compulsory studies in Personal, Social Education, and Physical Education.
- Participation in the Electives programme.
Compulsory Subjects at Key Stage 4:
- Maths/Further Maths
- English Language/English Literature/English as an Additional Language (for international students)
Additional Options for GCSEs:
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- French
- Spanish
- Latin
- Computer Science
- Fine Art
- Music
- Statistics
- Business Studies
- Psychology
One Year International GCSE Programme:
- Option to complete a one-year International GCSE programme.
- Compulsory subjects include Mathematics and English as a second language.
- International students may take a GCSE in their home language if available.
Sixth Form Curriculum (Key Stage 5):
- A range of academic A Level options available.
- Compulsory studies in Personal, Social Education, and Physical Education.
- Participation in the Electives programme.
Subjects Offered in Sixth Form:
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Economics
- English Literature
- Fine Art
- French
- Geography
- Graphic Communication
- History
- Maths
- Further Maths
- Music
- Photography
- Physics
- Politics
- Psychology
- Spanish
- Textiles
New Additions to the Curriculum:
- Introduction of A Levels in Fine Art, Textiles, Photography, and Graphic Arts.
- Emphasis on nurturing artistic talent and fostering pathways in the creative industries.
- Commitment to maintaining the school’s high standard of teaching and support.
Ruthin School Application Deadline
The application process can start as early as three years preceding the regular open days. Interested applicants will take a pre-assessment in Year 7 (Form 1) and academic testing in Year 8. Application dates vary so it is recommended to contact us for the latest information.
Ruthin School Rankings And Results
Ruthin School performed well in the 2023 A Levels, with 70% of students scoring A*-A. While the 2023 GCSE results were not published on their website, 2022 GCSE results showed 78.3% scoring 9-7. Ruthin school ranked 36 in our A Levels League Table for 2023.
Ruthin School Fees
1) Full Boarding Fees
- £42,700 per annum
2) Weekly Boarding Fees
- Weekly Boarding (4 nights Monday to Thursday): £25,650 per annum
- Weekly Boarding (5 nights Sunday to Thursday): £28,950 per annum
3) Day Boarding Fees
Annual fees for day boarding are as follows:
- Form 1: £13,650
- Form 2: £13,650
- Form 3: £14,228
- Form 4 & 5: £14,775
- Sixth Form: £16,540
Ruthin School Entry Requirements
Overseas pupils applying will need to sit for the online UKISET aptitude tests and attend a virtual interview. These assessments help evaluate the student’s suitability for the academic programme and their potential to succeed at Ruthin School.
Past school transcripts and references will help with successful application. For Sixth Form entry (Year 12), applicants are expected to have completed their secondary education or its equivalent, often with a strong academic record. This may vary depending on the country of origin and the education system followed.
Applicants from non-native English-speaking countries are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency via standardised tests such as IELTS and TOEFL.
Ruthin School Reviews
“Moved our child from the School across the Road last year. I wish we had done it sooner. The best decision we have made by far. The level of teaching is first class. The change in our child is remarkable. A much happier child. Thank you to all the staff at Ruthin School.”
“Fantastic school with excellent facilities and a real passion for student progression, both academically and socially.”
“This is a fantastic school with great facilities and a friendly atmosphere.”
Ruthin School Accommodation And Boarding Life
Boarding life at Ruthin School is an enriching adventure that shapes futures and fosters lifelong friendships and experiences. With specific boarding houses tailored for both boys and girls spanning from Form 1 to Upper Sixth, the boarding community thrives as a melting pot of cultures from around the world.
Academic support is paramount for boarders, with supervised prep sessions led by dedicated teachers who ensure students excel in their studies. The school’s campus is a beautiful, serene haven, conducive to focused learning and personal growth, facilitating academic success and holistic development.
The four boarding houses are each equipped with a resident House Parent, Boarding Assistants, and enthusiastic Graduate Assistants. Students will find a nurturing environment where support and guidance are readily available. Teaching staff are actively involved in boarding life, fostering strong bonds between staff and students. Younger boarders share rooms to encourage camaraderie and integration, while older students often enjoy the privacy of single rooms with en-suite facilities, fostering independence and personal space.
Life as a boarder at Ruthin School is dynamic and fulfilling, with weekdays filled from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM with engaging lessons and extracurricular activities. Evenings offer a plethora of activities ranging from sports and games to social gatherings and celebrations, ensuring a rich and diverse experience for all.
Weekends are brimming with excitement as students embark on thrilling trips to explore the vibrant cities and picturesque countryside of the UK. International trips further enrich the boarding experience, encouraging students to seize every opportunity for growth and exploration.
Ruthin School Extracurricular Activities
Pastoral Care
Ruthin School takes pastoral care seriously – ensuring it is woven into the fabric of the school community. The school has a dedicated pastoral care team that ensures each child receives the support they need to thrive, both academically and personally. The school also frequently organises events such as Anti-Bullying Week and Mental Health Awareness Week. Additionally, they host regular “Head Space” events throughout the year, providing students with opportunities to discuss their feelings and promoting overall wellbeing in a relaxed and informal setting.
Extracurricular Activities
Whether your interest is sports, arts or music, Ruthin School has something for everyone. Co-curricular activities are called Elective programmes, and are highly encouraged, as they provide students with invaluable opportunities for personal growth, character development, and skill acquisition. Here is a list of different electives students can choose from, based on their age group.
1) KS3 Electives
- Drama
- Arts Award (Certificated)
- Cookery
- Local Culture Studies
- Eco School
- Historical Project Skills
- Robotics
- Woodland Skills
- Rock Band
- Archery
- Tennis
- Chess
- LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art)
2) KS4 Electives
- Debating
- Photoshop basics
- Health and Lifestyle
- How to use Excel
- DIY skills
- CV writing
- Archery
- Tennis
- Electronics
- Exercise and Physiology
- Model United Nations
- Chess
- The Ruthinian Magazine
- Creative Media
- Dungeons and Dragons
- LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art)
3) Sixth Form Electives
- Archery
- Tennis
- Model United Nations
- Chess
- Creative Media
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- Gresham Essay Prize
- Maths Modelling
- Introduction to University Mathematics
- Sixth Form Robotics
- LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art)
- Super Curriculum Development
- Personal Development
Ruthin School Contact Information
- Official website: https://ruthinschool.co.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone call: +44 (0)1824 702543
- Location: Ruthin School, Mold Rd, Ruthin LL15 1EE, United Kingdom
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