Ysgol Brynhyfryd

History

Ysgol Brynhyfryd was established in 1899 as Ruthin County School for Girls. Until 1930, the school had the option for girls to board. It became co-educational, as Ruthin School, in 1938. The then headmistress, Catherine Parry, was not allowed to apply for the post of head of the co-educational school, as a man was thought more suitable.

In 1945 the school was renamed Ruthin County Grammar School. By 1948 it was being called Brynhyfryd Grammar School. In 1954 it became bilateral, which meant that children who had not passed the eleven plus could attend the school, as well as those who had. It became a comprehensive school, using the Welsh form of its name, in 1967.

Curriculum and academic performance

Like most secondary schools in Wales, at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Ysgol Brynhyfryd offers a total of 13 subjects including Welsh (first and second language), English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Information Communication Technology, History, Geography, RE, French, Art, Music, Modern Languages and PE.

Brynhyfryd is a bilingual school which has, in years 7 and 8, four Welsh forms and five English forms. As of 2023, 43.5% of pupils come from Welsh-speaking homes.

The school is considered successful, with 68% of pupils leaving with at least five A*-C GCSE grades, according to the Estyn inspection report in 2015.

Facilities

The school has a theatre and arts complex, Theatre John Ambrose, named after a headteacher of the school in the 1980s and 1990s. This was opened by the actor Rhys Ifans, a former pupil of Ysgol Pentrecelyn and Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold, but brought up in Ruthin.

Controversy

In 2016, a former chemistry teacher was removed from the teaching register for two years after being found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct. He was accused of having received oral sex from a student on the school premises.

Notable former pupils

• Charlie Caton, footballer
• Ian Flanagan, tennis player
• David Richards, motorsport executive
• Neil Taylor, footballer

References

References

1. "Ysgol Brynhyfryd {{!}} Estyn".
2. "Welcome by The Head". Ysgol Brynhyfryd.
3. "Ruthin County School, records of". Archifau Sir Ddinbych / Denbighshire Archives.
4. Morris, Gwynne. (2000). "COUNTY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. Broadsheet 61". The Coelion Trust.
5. "Ysgol Brynhyfryd". Estyn.
6. "Former Ysgol Brynhyfryd teacher struck off teaching register".
7. Hughes, Gareth. (16 November 2016). "Teenager 'saw Ruthin teacher having oral sex with girl in school storeroom'".
8. Davies, Shaun. (29 May 2023). "Caton agrees to sign a two-year deal with Chester FC".
9. Gallacher, Joanne. (9 June 2004). "Ex-coach on Flanagan's promise".
10. (12 March 2007). "Welsh tycoon set to drive classic".
11. Wyn-Williams, Gareth. (20 May 2016). "Join Premier League footballer Neil Taylor as he goes back to school".