Ages:
11-16
Dates:
Year-round, minimum of 2 weeks
English level:
Elementary – Advanced
Founded in 1284 by King Edward I, Ruthin School is one of the oldest aristocratic schools in the UK. Queen Elizabeth II personally attended the school’s 700th anniversary celebrations. Ruthin is renowned for its rigorous academic tradition and is consistently ranked among the best schools in the UK. The Times ranked Ruthin school 15th in the UK in 2023, and 40% of its graduates went on to Oxbridge/G5 universities.
With its core focus on academic excellence, Ruthin School provides an elite education. The school employs world leading experts in education, providing students with personalised guidance and one-to-one academic support. Small class sizes ensure that every student receives individual attention and rigorous academic guidance. To support international students, the school offers free EAL (English as an Additional Language) enrichment programmes, to help students improve their English proficiency and academic confidence.
Ruthin School is a selective boarding school that focuses heavily on academic achievement and preparing students for top universities in the UK and internationally. We cordially invite international students to join us at this distinguished British Boading School for a 2-week immersion programme, to personally experience the academic rigour and gracious life of this distinguished school.
International students are fully integrated into the school life, joining local full-time students in lessons and extracurricular activities, and living on campus as full-time boarders. This is an ideal short-stay experience for those considering studying in the UK in the future, or who wants to improve English quickly, or those who simply wish to experience the authentic British education in a loving, nurturing and high-achieving environment.
Academic Courses: The school offers 21 GCSE and 20 A-Level courses, including the following subjects. It also provides a one-year IGCSE programme. Traditional strengths include Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science, with students excelling in national competitions and gaining admission to world-class science and engineering institutions.
- Maths & Advanced Maths
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Geography
- English Literature
- Computer Science
- EAL/English
- Music
- Astronomy
- Statistics
- Spanish
- Psychology
- Business Studies
- Art
- Photography (A-Level)
- Economics (A-Level)
- History
- French
- Textiles (A-Level)
Co-curricular Activities:The school offers a wide range of elective courses as part of its daily activities and school clubs, such as the following, including Duke of Edinburgh Awards. In 2024, a brand-new professional badminton facility was constructed and equipped with national-level coaches.
- Drama/Arts
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
- Cookery
- Robotics
- Debating
- Eco-Schools
- Woodland Skills
- Rock/Orchestra
- Chess
- LAMDA Musicals
- Model United Nations
- Creative Media
- Mathematical Modelling
- Exercise & Physiology
- Archery
- Tennis/Rugby
Weekend Excursions:The school organises a variety of weekend activities both on and off campus. Located in North Wales, the school benefits from beautiful natural landscapes and a wealth of historical sites. Students can also visit coastal towns and learn about Britain’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The journey from London by train takes just 2.5 hours.
- Snowdonia National Park
- Bodnant Garden
- Conway Castle
- Llandudno
- Penrhyn Castle
- Portmeirion
- Zip World
- Chirk Tunnel and Aqueduct
- Big Ben/London Eye
- The Royal Horse Guards
- Westminster Abbey
- Tower Bridge
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Caernarfon Castle
- Windsor Castle
Year 11 (GCSE) Sample Timetable:
Year 13 (A-Level) Sample Timetable:
Founded in 1284 by King Edward I, Ruthin School is nestled in the majestic landscapes of North Wales, serveing as an enduring beacon of learning, and reflecting the rich tapestry of heritage and tradition that encapsulates the United Kingdom’s historic evolution. It was granted a Royal Charter in 1574 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, which formally established it as a leading academic institution. Queen Elizabeth II visited the school in 1984 to celebrate its 700th anniversary. King Charles also visited the school in 1997.
Situated in the historic charming town of Ruthin with stunning medieval architecture, Ruthin School is just a 2.5-hour train ride away from London and a 1-hour drive from Liverpool and Manchester airport. Snowdonia National Park is also an hour’s drive which gives students the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful countryside the UK has to offer.
Renowned for its rigorous academic tradition and its commitment to fostering the all-round development of its pupils, Ruthin has established itself as a leading institution within the country’s boarding schools. Its rich heritage, combined with a dedication to excellence in teaching and learning, has ensured its enduring reputation as one of Britain’s foremost schools.Ruthin School has consistently achieved outstanding results in both A-level and GCSE examinations, ranking among the top schools nationally. In 2023, the Times ranked it 15th in the UK, 40% of graduates went to elite G5 universitieis. In 2024, the graduates also achieved excellent A-level results, of which 25% of students obtained A* (40% of students obtained all A or A*), 60% of the grades were A/A*, 95% of students obtained admission to their ideal university, and 100% of students applying to Cambridge University were successful.The school is predominantly residential, with dedicated boarding houses for different age groups. Most senior boarders are accommodated in single rooms with en-suite facilities. A 24-hour boarding care system is in place throughout the boarding houses. Integrating academic and residential life fosters self-discipline, leadership skills, and a strong sense of belonging. The dining hall serves nutritionally balanced hot meals daily, including vegetarian options, and it regularly hosts culinary festivals.
