Ruthin School Review: Rankings, Fees, And More
Located in the scenic surroundings of North Wales, Ruthin School is one of the oldest schools in the UK, with a history dating back over 700 years. The school combines its long-standing heritage with a strong academic focus, preparing students for entry into leading universities across the UK and internationally. Our guide below outlines key aspects of life and learning at Ruthin School.
Table of Contents
Ruthin School School Summary
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 11-18
- Pupils: 350
- Fees: £45,690 per annum for full boarding
- 2024 A-Level Results: 60% A*-A
- 2024 GCSE Results: 54.9% 9-7
Ruthin School Overview
Crowned with a Royal Charter in 1574, Ruthin School has spent over 700 years doing one thing better than most: producing sharp minds with global ambitions. It’s not a place for distractions. No drama. No frills. Just high expectations and a track record to match. With 60% of its 2024 A-levels landing in the A–A* range, and alumni, fondly known as ‘Old Ruthinians’ excelling in everything from global finance to professional football, Ruthin doesn’t chase prestige—it builds it.
Step into the campus today, you’ll find the stone walls still standing. But inside, you’ll discover high-spec science labs, sleek boarding houses, and tech-equipped classrooms built for tomorrow’s thinkers. The pace is calm, the atmosphere focused, and everything—from the timetable to the tennis courts—is designed to push students further, without pulling them apart.
Ruthin School Courses
Curriculum Overview
At Ruthin School, students follow a structured academic journey from Form 1 through Sixth Form, with a strong emphasis on both academic achievement and personal development.
Key Stage 3 (Form 1–3)
Students in Key Stage 3 experience a broad curriculum that introduces a wide range of subjects. Core components include Personal and Social Education, Physical Education, and participation in the school’s Electives programme.
Subjects studied include:
- Art
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Drama
- English (including English as an Additional Language, if required)
- Geography
- History
- Languages: French, Latin, Welsh, and Spanish
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physics
Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
At GCSE level, students prepare for public examinations while continuing with compulsory subjects such as Personal and Social Education and Physical Education. They also take part in the Electives programme.
Compulsory GCSE subjects:
- Mathematics or Further Mathematics
- English Language and English Literature (or English as an Additional Language for international students)
- Students then select from a wide range of optional subjects, including:
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- French
- Spanish
- Latin
- Computer Science
- Fine Art
- Music
- Statistics
- Business Studies
- Psychology
One-Year International GCSE Programme
Ruthin School also offers a one-year International GCSE programme designed for international students. Mathematics and English as a Second Language are compulsory, with the option to sit a GCSE in a student’s native language where available.
Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)
In the Sixth Form, students choose from a wide selection of A Level subjects, while continuing with Personal and Social Education, Physical Education, and the Electives programme.
A Level subjects include:
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Economics
- English Literature
- Fine Art
- French
- Geography
- Graphic Communication
- History
- Mathematics
- Further Mathematics
- Music
- Photography
- Physics
- Politics
- Psychology
- Spanish
- Textiles
Creative Curriculum Expansion
Recent additions to the curriculum include A Levels in Fine Art, Textiles, Photography, and Graphic Communication. These developments reflect the school’s ongoing commitment to supporting creative talent and maintaining high teaching standards across all disciplines.
Ruthin School Fees
Ruthin School offers full boarding, weekly boarding, and day places. From September 2025, all fees will include VAT.
Full Boarding:
£45,690 per year (2024/25)
£54,828 incl. VAT (2025/26)Weekly Boarding (Mon–Thurs):
£27,445.50 (2024/25)
£30,976.50 incl. VAT (2025/26)Day Students:
2024/25: £14,605.50 to £17,698 depending on year group
2025/26: £15,800 to £18,500 incl. VAT
Fees cover tuition, accommodation (for boarders), meals, and core activities. Scholarships and bursaries may be available for exceptional candidates.
Ruthin School Rankings and Results
Ruthin doesn’t just set high standards—it hits them. In 2024, 60% of A-Level grades came in at A* or A, placing students in strong positions for top-tier university offers. At GCSE, over half of all grades—54.9%—were 9 to 7, the equivalent of A*/A. It’s proof of a system built around focus, stretch, and consistency.
Ruthin School Boarding Experience
Boarding at Ruthin is more than just a place to sleep—it’s where you grow. With four dedicated boarding houses—split by age and gender—the school brings together students from around the world into a close-knit, focused, and supportive community. It’s structured, but never rigid. Fun, but never chaotic. A balance that works.
Days run from 8:30 to 5:00, packed with lessons, clubs, and sports. Evenings are for prep, social time, or winding down in shared lounges. Teachers live on-site, guiding study sessions and building real connections beyond the classroom. Younger students share rooms to build bonds early; Sixth Formers enjoy more independence, often with en-suites and private space.
Weekends are exciting. City trips, countryside adventures, cultural outings—there’s always something on. And for those with global horizons, international trips give boarders a chance to explore beyond the UK.
Ruthin School Pastoral Care
Ruthin School takes student wellbeing seriously—both in and out of the classroom. Pastoral care is built into daily life, starting with weekly Personal and Social Education (PSE) lessons that cover everything from relationships and identity to financial literacy and digital safety. The aim is simple: equip students with the knowledge and confidence to handle the challenges of growing up in a fast-moving world.
Support runs deep across the school. Every student has a dedicated form tutor as their first point of contact, backed by Heads of Key Stage, a Head of Pastoral Care, and a Director of Safeguarding. For boarders, the Head of Boarding ensures consistent care during evenings and weekends.
Health needs are managed by a full-time team of nurses at the on-site medical centre, with access to GPs and external specialists when needed. Mental health is also prioritised, with trained mental health first aiders across departments and a qualified school counsellor available for confidential support. At Ruthin, wellbeing isn’t a separate service—it’s a school-wide commitment.
Ruthin School Application Deadline
Boarding applications must be submitted by September of the year before the intended start date. For example, students applying for the next academic year must complete their applications by September.
Ruthin School Extracurricular Activities
Ruthin School offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities through its Electives programme, which plays a central role in student life. Designed to promote creativity, curiosity, and confidence, the programme encourages students to pursue interests beyond the classroom—whether in the arts, sports, technology, or leadership.
In Key Stage 3, students can explore activities such as Drama, Robotics, Woodland Skills, Rock Band, and the Arts Award. Options like Archery, Tennis, Chess, and LAMDA also allow them to develop focus, discipline, and expression.
At Key Stage 4, choices expand to include Debating, Photoshop Basics, Model United Nations, Creative Media, and The Ruthinian Magazine. Practical skills are also covered through sessions in Excel, CV writing, and DIY.
In the Sixth Form, electives become more specialised and academic. Students can take on projects like the EPQ, enter essay competitions, or tackle advanced modules in mathematics and university preparation. Options like Super Curriculum Development and Personal Development help students prepare for life beyond school, while familiar favourites—like LAMDA, Archery, and Creative Media—remain available.
From public speaking to programming, from chess to Dungeons and Dragons, the Electives programme gives every student the chance to explore, grow, and lead.
Ruthin School Reviews
“This is a fantastic school with great facilities and a friendly atmosphere.”
Ruthin School Contact Information
- Official website: https://ruthinschool.co.uk
- Email: admissions@ruthinschool.co.uk
- Phone call: +44 (0)1824 702543
- Location: Ruthin School, Mold Rd, Ruthin LL15 1EE, United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Students take part in an extensive Electives programme, offering everything from Robotics and Drama to Model United Nations and Creative Media. Sports, music, and performing arts are also well represented, with options tailored by age group. Sixth Form students have access to academic extensions like the EPQ and university prep modules.
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Apply To Ruthin School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!