Tag Archives: Education

Hospitality, HR, News

New HR managers’ research on attractiveness of hospitality professions released in Sommet Education Foundation launch

Sommet Education, a leading worldwide player in hospitality education boasting a community of 10,000 students and 60,000 influential alumni worldwide, has launched its Foundation, a significant milestone aimed at supporting employment challenges within the hospitality sector.

The Foundation will concentrate on tackling the sector’s employment challenges by focusing on two levers of action: offering scholarships for hospitality education to talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and advocating for careers and professions in hospitality.

 

Empowering individuals from underserved communities to pursue rewarding careers in hospitality

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, with the travel and tourism sector projected to provide employment for 449 million people worldwide by 2034, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). By then, 12.2% of the global workforce will be powering this vibrant sector. Despite these promising figures, many destinations and hospitality employers continue to face recruitment challenges.

Drawing on Sommet Education’s long-standing commitment to developing hospitality talent, the Sommet Education Foundation will leverage its global network of hospitality schools (Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Invictus, and Indian School of Hospitality) to train and open doors to careers in this industry for individuals from diverse and socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Sommet Education Foundation will identify talents supported by a network of social partners, including UN agencies, governmental entities and NGOs. Talents will be selected in alignment with the framework of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 4, focusing on inclusive education. Funding and support will be provided to educate and empower, particularly youth from impoverished backgrounds and women, while also creating lifelong learning opportunities and ensuring talents are gainfully employed within the sector.

 

Sommet Education Foundation patronage

“Joining the hospitality industry is more than a job guarantee; it is a promise of a rewarding and fulfilling career nurtured by human encounters, passion, cultural exchanges, and experiences,” said Anouck Weiss, Executive Vice-President at Sommet Education Foundation. “By offering scholarships leading to employment opportunities, we aim at offering life-changing opportunities to a new generation of talents and empowering them with the necessary skills to join the thriving hospitality industry.”

The Foundation can already count on Accor as a Founding Patron. The hospitality group has already committed to promoting talent development, fostering social equality, and bolstering economic growth through a first dedicated initiative in India. Steven Daines, Chief Talent & Culture Officer at Accor, said: “As a leading hospitality group, investing in people’s talent is a key priority. Hospitality is a sector that transcends territories and borders. This implies open-mindedness and connection to others. I am proud to be in a sector that promotes cross-border work experiences and multicultural environments”.

Echoing his views, Anne-Sophie Beraud, SVP Diversity & Inclusion & Social Care at Accor, added: “The success of our employees must not be determined by diplomas, origins or nationalities. We want to guarantee each of our talents the opportunity to reach their full potential by preventing inequalities and discrimination.”

Promoting hospitality professions: survey shows strong sector attractiveness and employer voluntarism to attract and retain new talents

 

To inform the Foundation’s roadmap and strategic direction, the Sommet Education Foundation engaged OpinionWay, a pioneering market research institute, to conduct a comprehensive European survey to identify the key factors that attract and retain talents in the hospitality industry. 1,300 young professionals and hospitality HR managers across Europe were interviewed, along with 20 key industry leaders (below) encompassing the broader spectrum of the sector, including hotels, restaurants, travel, tourism, independent, medium-sized and large hotel groups, and high-end retail.

Alain Ducasse, Chef and Founder, École Ducasse

Carole Pourchet, Director General, Majorian

Christelle Grisoni, CEO, Bertrand Hospitality

Christian Catiello, Manager Director Organization, Alpitour World

Christopher Jones, Director General, Brioche Dorée

Cyril Baron, General Manager, Caviar House & Prunier

Eric Frechon, Chef, Meilleur Ouvrier de France

Isabelle de Bardies, Director General – CEO Division, Angelina

Jade Frommer, Co-Founder and CEO, Ephemera

Katrin Melle, Regional Vice President DEI & Talent EAME, Hyatt

Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mandarin Oriental

Maribel Rodriguez, Senior Vice-President, WTTC

Marion Amacker, Associate Director, Morgan Philipps Executive Search

Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism

Nathalie Seiler Hayez, Managing Director, Swiss Deluxe Hotels

Philippe Héry, Managing Director, Hippopotamus

Pierre-Olivier Aguinalin, Chief HR Officer, Hublot (until February 2024)

Sabine Masseglia, Managing Director, St Barts Tourism

Steven Daines, Chief Talent & Culture Officer, Accor

Tigrane Seydoux, Co-Founder, Big Mamma

The research found that the service sector holds considerable appeal for 85% of young professionals across Europe. Three-quarters of young European professionals would be ready to join high-end hotels, restaurants and retail shops, praising the career opportunities, especially internationally, and the people-to-people connections. The survey confirms the overall challenge of the sector throughout Europe, with 59% of HR managers facing employment challenges. 78% state that Generation Z (18 to 28 years old) brings specific challenges around identification, recruitment and loyalty.

 

Hospitality’s unique promise fuels optimism in the sector

Professionals within the sector are resolutely convinced of the depth and appeal of their respective fields, the survey found, with an overwhelming 86% expressing confidence in the sector’s allure. Moreover, they exhibit unwavering faith in their ability to sustain employee commitment, rating it at an impressive 7.5 out of 10.

This sector offers pathways for individuals to advance socially and professionally, regardless of their educational background. It stands out as one of the few industries where individuals can achieve rapid success and take on greater responsibilities over time, effectively climbing the social ladder. This unique promise of upward mobility makes it particularly appealing to many. Furthermore, employers place a premium on motivation, soft skills and service-oriented personalities, prioritising these qualities over formal diplomas and are ready to invest in their talents. The overwhelming majority – 93% of HR managers – emphasise the centrality of training in fostering talent excellence, development and long-term loyalty.

On this subject, Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive at Mandarin Oriental, shared: “Architects design the buildings of tomorrow. I would like people coming out of hospitality schools to be able to design the experience of tomorrow.”

News

PP Plus launches to bridge the UK’s commercial ‘valley of death’

The best of manufacturing, business and academia have come together to bridge the £bn+ commercial valley of death in the UK.

PP Plus, which is being led by PP Control & Automation, is delivering immediate access to specialist expertise and knowledge to help support companies looking to develop and scale green technologies.

More than 20 organisations are involved in the biggest growth support network currently available in the UK, including the likes of Brandauer, Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems, Cleveland Scott York, Product Approvals, Protolabs, Silverstone Technology Cluster and WMG.

Together, they can take innovators from concept development and prototyping to protecting their IP, contract manufacturing and driving sales through PR and marketing.

“PP Plus is all about unlocking and commercialising the ideas that will contribute to a more sustainable future, making UK manufacturing stronger and more successful,” commented Tony Hague, CEO of PP Control & Automation.

“It is clear that the UK has a wealth of innovative companies that come up with new concepts and ideas that have true commercial potential and the opportunity to scale. However, they simply don’t have the capacity or additional expertise to realise these fantastic ideas.

“Even if they know where to look for this, they often tie themselves in knots trying to find the right route as the traditional support network is convoluted. We know this first hand from working with companies on innovative new technologies, so felt the best approach was to create our own way forward.”

He went on to add: “That is where PP Plus was born and the reaction from industry partners, business development strategists and some of the UK’s leading universities has been phenomenal. We now believe we have everything in place to take potential customers on and through the entire journey.”

PP Plus’ initial focus will be on supporting companies developing solutions for clean energy, future mobility, agritech innovation and machinery/equipment that contribute to a circular economy.

This will create sustainable innovations that will answer critical questions about how we are going to feed ourselves in the future, how do we ‘power’ our society and how do we travel without destroying our planet.

The journey starts with a 1-hour discovery session that is completely free of charge and will identify the next steps and the specialist support required to commercialise and scale up the technologies.

That may see the client access one, two or three of the main pillars (manufacturing, business, academia) covering anything from product approval and manufacturing capabilities to accessing grants and funding, marketing support and collaborative research and testing facilities.

Sara Williams, Senior Marketing Manager at Protolabs, added her support: “PP Plus is a great initiative that meets an ever-present need in the UK to bridge the valley of death, pulling lots of commercial, manufacturing, and academic expertise together in one easy to access programme.

“Protolabs is delighted to be one of the founding members and look forward to working closely with all the partners involved to leverage the collective strength of our knowledge and expertise.”

PP Plus has already received significant interest and a number of early projects have entered the ‘discovery’ phrase.

For further information, please visit www.pp-plus.org

News

Land sale will boost investment in new sports facilities at independent school

ST GERARD’S School will continue to invest in new facilities and bring all its learners together under one roof following the sale of nearby land.

The prominent Bangor institution has put neighbouring buildings currently used for its early years provision on the market.

Selling the Convent Lane location will support wider redevelopment plans on the seven-acre site and unite the school community, according to headteacher Campbell Harrison.

“The two main reasons for selling the primary school buildings are so we can use money from the sale for our overall investment programme, and most importantly, create one standalone high-quality learning environment for our pupils,” he said.

“We have big plans for the coming months, including the construction of new sports facilities, changing rooms, tennis courts and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).

“For the young people already with us, and prospective learners and their families, we are continually striving for improvement and have demonstrated that with the changes already made since last summer.

“Of course, we will be sad to say goodbye to the primary school buildings but at St Gerard’s we always look ahead. This is the right move for us, and most importantly, the children.”

In past months the school has been subject to a series of significant improvements, including an upgrade to the gardens, access, fencing, signage, learning and IT systems, lighting, external and internal redecoration, and fresh branding.

The roof and guttering has been cleared, there was a revamp of parent areas, the ‘mindfulness room’ and entrance, and a ‘wellbeing walk’ now features in picturesque woodlands surrounding the main campus.

Business Manager Steve Griffiths said the school’s long-term strategic direction is looking bright, and lowering their physical and carbon footprint will reinforce future plans.

“There has been a lot of interest from potential buyers, and the likelihood is that it would be used for residential development,” he added.

“From a safeguarding and teaching perspective, to have all our learners on one site – a site which is going to continue to be improved and developed throughout the year – is the best way forward for St Gerard’s.

“It also means the younger pupils now have ease of access to all the new facilities, and they are part of a closer-knit academic and social community which will continue to go from strength to strength.”

The 0.7-acre city centre site up for sale is separated from St Gerard’s by Convent Lane, off Friddoedd Road.

The main building there is approximately 420 m sq, and the two adjoining structures are 132.5 m sq and 46.75 m sq respectively. The site is being marketed by Conwy-based estate agent, Iwan M Williams.

For more on Ysgol St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.

News

Land sale will boost investment in new sports facilities at independent school

ST GERARD’S School will continue to invest in new facilities and bring all its learners together under one roof following the sale of nearby land.

The prominent Bangor institution has put neighbouring buildings currently used for its early years provision on the market.

Selling the Convent Lane location will support wider redevelopment plans on the seven-acre site and unite the school community, according to headteacher Campbell Harrison.

“The two main reasons for selling the primary school buildings are so we can use money from the sale for our overall investment programme, and most importantly, create one standalone high-quality learning environment for our pupils,” he said.

“We have big plans for the coming months, including the construction of new sports facilities, changing rooms, tennis courts and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).

“For the young people already with us, and prospective learners and their families, we are continually striving for improvement and have demonstrated that with the changes already made since last summer.

“Of course, we will be sad to say goodbye to the primary school buildings but at St Gerard’s we always look ahead. This is the right move for us, and most importantly, the children.”

In past months the school has been subject to a series of significant improvements, including an upgrade to the gardens, access, fencing, signage, learning and IT systems, lighting, external and internal redecoration, and fresh branding.

The roof and guttering has been cleared, there was a revamp of parent areas, the ‘mindfulness room’ and entrance, and a ‘wellbeing walk’ now features in picturesque woodlands surrounding the main campus.

Business Manager Steve Griffiths said the school’s long-term strategic direction is looking bright, and lowering their physical and carbon footprint will reinforce future plans.

“There has been a lot of interest from potential buyers, and the likelihood is that it would be used for residential development,” he added.

“From a safeguarding and teaching perspective, to have all our learners on one site – a site which is going to continue to be improved and developed throughout the year – is the best way forward for St Gerard’s.

“It also means the younger pupils now have ease of access to all the new facilities, and they are part of a closer-knit academic and social community which will continue to go from strength to strength.”

The 0.7-acre city centre site up for sale is separated from St Gerard’s by Convent Lane, off Friddoedd Road.

The main building there is approximately 420 m sq, and the two adjoining structures are 132.5 m sq and 46.75 m sq respectively. The site is being marketed by Conwy-based estate agent, Iwan M Williams.

For more on Ysgol St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.

News

Hospitality leaders Les Roches commit to specialised education in sports management and events

Les Roches, one of the world’s leading hospitality management institutions, is launching a new specialised program in sports tourism, the Master’s in Sports Management and Events, starting in September 2024.

The global sports tourism industry was valued at $323,420 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $1,803,704 billion by 2030, according to the international consultancy Allied Market Research, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1% over the next six years.

This year alone sees two of the world’s most spectacular sporting events, the UEFA European Foootball Championship in Germany, and the Olympics Games in Paris, which will make them among the most sought-after destinations this summer.

In response to this growing demand, Les Roches has announced the Master’s in Sports Management and Events.

Spanning 12 months, students will delve into the global sports and events industry, gaining essential skills for administrative and managerial roles. This includes analysing the industry’s economic aspects on an international scale and planning and executing events.

As part of the program, students will embark on business field trips to Abu Dhabi, a premier destination renowned for hosting prestigious events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and NBA Games. Additionally, they will visit Switzerland, home to major European sports organisations.

These trips offer invaluable opportunities for students to immerse themselves in real-world settings, network with industry leaders, and gain practical insights into sports management practices on a global scale.

The international sports and events industry offers exceptional professional opportunities, as various destinations, regions and even countries utilise sports to diversify their economies while reinforcing their tourism and hospitality sectors. However, the sports-driven tourism industry is not solely focused on entertainment. The profile of vacationers has also shifted towards a healthier lifestyle. As a result, there has been an increased demand trend for hotel accommodation with attractive sports offers.

Carlos Díez de la Lastra, Les Roches Global CEO, said: “Faced with a changing global demand, tourism companies must prepare for a decade filled with new expectations from travellers. Sports tourism is one of them. Over the past years, it has shown very positive growth figures, and we are confident it will continue this trend. Sports is a universal language known to all, which is why companies need to anticipate future trends, aiming to offer their customers excellent service and exquisite experiences. The implementation of this Master’s program represents a firm commitment to education in a field that gains more aspirants each year and requires highly-qualified and specialised personnel.”

 

Currently, Les Roches boasts a global network of over 16,000 alumni holding managerial positions in more than 140 countries worldwide. Of these, 67% secured their first job through school contacts, and 33% successfully launched their own ventures. Upon graduation, students receive an average of five offers from top hospitality, luxury tourism and related services companies and graduates typically triple their pre-degree salary within 12 years.

 

With a 70-year history, Les Roches is at the forefront of innovation in the hospitality sector. Its students gain access each semester to job and internships placements at over 200 leading companies in the hotel, luxury tourism and related industries, such as Louis Vuitton, Accor Hotels, IHG, The Ritz-Carlton, Soho House & Co, Mandarin Oriental, Marriott International, Silversea, Qatar Airways and Hublot, among others.

 

In addition, numerous Les Roches alumni already hold successful positions and have made significant contributions in sports management and events in some of the biggest sports brands and businesses such as Formula 1, FIFA, Nike, Netflix and the Olympic Committee.

News

Beloved Bangor institution forges close links with popular Chinese school

A PIONEERING independent school enjoyed a great ball with China.

St Gerard’s School is forging strong links with Bangor Chinese School and even hosted its New Year celebrations.

They joined forces at the weekend for a party and performance at the recently refurbished Ffriddoedd Road institution, which teaches Mandarin to students from across north west Wales.

The Chinese School – launched five years ago – is now based at St Gerard’s and holds classes every Sunday for up to 50 young people aged four to 18, with subjects including Maths and Coding.

Head Jiao Kun thanked the school for its warm welcome, notably headteacher Campbell Harrison and the leadership team, who spoke at the event and joined in with traditional games and activities.

“We had a fantastic time, and as this is the Chinese New Year of the Dragon it was fitting for us to bring Wales and China together in celebration,” she said.

“It is a significant event heralding a year of prosperity and good fortune as encapsulated by the phrase “Double Dragons Play with the Pearl”, and the dragon is a mythical creature, unique among the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, with the others being real animals.

“We are dedicated to teaching Mandarin and Chinese culture to children of Chinese heritage and to local children interested in learning about the Chinese language, so for us to now be working closely with St Gerard’s is fantastic, especially as they have a significant number of Chinese students who learn Mandarin with us.

“The collaboration is a model of close cooperation and shared development, and we are excited to see how it develops.”

The occasion featured performances including Tai Chi, Chinese dance, and traditional Dragon and Lion dances by the students, emphasising the community’s hopes for a prosperous and auspicious 2024.

Mr Harrison said building an even stronger partnership with Bangor Chinese School will only benefit St Gerard’s, which has undergone a period of significant investment and redevelopment since last summer.

“We are an open and inclusive community, which stretches far, far beyond North Wales,” he added.

“We are so proud of our international students, and particularly the learners we have from China and other parts of the world.

“To be part of their celebrations was a huge honour for us, it’s a day we will never forget, and we look forward to working side by side for many years to come.”

For more on Ysgol St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.

Visit www.bangorchineseschool.org.uk for more news and information on Bangor Chinese School.

News

Surge in extra-curricular sports at top 5 school could lead to fall in absenteeism

A SECONDARY school has experienced a surge in pupils taking part in extra-curricular sport.

Learners at Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay have engaged with football, rugby, basketball, dodgeball, badminton, hockey, volleyball, netball, and gymnastics sessions more than 5,000 times since September.

Cooking and Health and Wellbeing activities have also proven popular, ensuring learners pick up independent living skills such as how to plan, prepare and cook a meal.

It is hoped that providing these opportunities will have a knock-on effect for overall school attendances, a nationwide issue following the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Welsh Government statistics, prior to the pandemic overall absenteeism figures in Wales stood at 5.7%. Provisional data for the 2022/23 school year revealed that number had risen to 10.5% nationally.

Additionally, figures show persistent absence amongst pupils eligible for Free School Meals more than doubled from 8.4% of pupils in 2018/19 to 18.8% of pupils in 2022/23.

The positive news comes as Eirias celebrates national success, with its Year 10 rugby team and under-18’s football squad both reaching the last 16 of the Welsh Cup in their respective sports.

Assistant Headteacher Alex Metcalfe said the after-school sessions have led to children being on-site from the first bell of the day, which is “heartening” given the pressures they and their families have faced in recent times.

“To have this many pupils attend this many sessions in just a few months has been incredible and testament to our amazing teachers and the support we’ve had from parents, carers and the local community,” said Mr Metcalfe.

“We have a new system which can track who is attending, what session they are participating in, and we can align that with overall attendance, which has been a game changer.

“Attendance at extra-curricular activities has a direct impact on learners’ health and wellbeing, social and physical attributes and builds the relationship even more between staff and learners as they are interacting in a different setting.”

He added: “The more pupils we have taking part in sport not only provides opportunities for all, it gives us an even wider selection of players to choose from when it comes to the teams that represent the school for competitive or recreational fixtures.

“An example is the success of our rugby and football squads, which are competing with the best schools in their age groups nationwide, an amazing achievement.”

Head of PE Neil Wilkinson hopes the upward trend at Ysgol Eirias continues and is confident it will, given the positive response from pupils, parents, and carers.

“Tracking attendances enables us to run a programme rewarding the higher attendees and those who have experienced a significant shift in their overall presence at school,” said Mr Wilkinson.

“Our main aim is to get as many learners physically active as often as possible which will hopefully lead to lifelong habits being formed to benefit not only they themselves but the community and future generations.

“As well as competitive fixtures and participation in after-school activities, we will be continuing to organise more recreational fixtures against schools in the area, giving learners the opportunity to compete against other pupils in their age groups.”

He added: “We have some very enthusiastic members of staff who have been delivering football sessions to children in our primary school clusters, which will be extended to rugby and a summer camp later this year.

“There are a lot of other plans in the pipeline – including fun matches between past and present students – so we encourage people to watch this space and thank everyone who has shown us so much support.”

For more information on extra-curricular activities at Ysgol Eirias, visit www.eirias.co.uk and follow the social media channel at @experienceeirias.

 

News

Top independent school on rebrand, redevelopment and 2024 vision ahead of taster event

PROSPECTIVE pupils will experience the exciting new chapter being written at a leading independent school.

Following a period of significant investment and redevelopment, St Gerard’s School will host a taster day for learners and families tomorrow (Tuesday).

The cherished Bangor institution – which produces among the highest GCSE and A Levels results in Wales – has organised a series of lessons, workshops and activities covering a range of subjects including Science, Art, English, RPE (Religion Philosophy and Ethics) and Maths.

Past months have seen a transformation of the gardens, access, redecoration of buildings, and there is more to come, according to Deputy Headteacher Dr Joseph Matthews.

“As well as the physical improvements we’ve made to the school – and there are more to follow this year – we will be expanding our curriculum from September and introducing some BTEC qualifications and Medical Science, plus A Levels in Spanish, Business Studies and Psychology,” he said.

“The taster days will give learners and their parents or carers the opportunity to find out more about what’s on offer academically, but also the warm, welcoming environment we have here and plans for a new wellbeing trail, modern sports facilities and more.”

Headteacher Campbell Harrison added: “These events are important because they give Year 6 pupils a flavour of life at the school and what they can expect day to day, while staff can showcase why we are among the top independent schools in the country.

“And for those who are unable to attend we are available any time for you to come along and take a look around, find out more and discover why St Gerard’s is the perfect choice for your child.”

St Gerard’s unveiled fresh branding in December, and as part of the update will launch a new website in the Spring.

Business Manager Steve Griffiths said the school has built on its traditions and reputation while forging industry partnerships and further strengthening its position as a key employer and contributor to the local economy.

“We have long-term plans that will benefit not only the pupils but also the wider community and future generations in this area,” said Steve.

“While St Gerard’s is proud of its heritage, the developments that have taken place to upgrade facilities, equipment and the curriculum demonstrate its role as a forward-thinking institution and an attractive proposition for children in north west Wales and beyond.”

For more on Ysgol St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.

News

Number 4 high school in Wales attracting sixth formers ahead of ‘opportunities event’

A SECONDARY school ranked in the top five in Wales is attracting students from across the region to its award-winning sixth form.

Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay is preparing for an ‘Opportunities Evening Event’ that will showcase its post-16 offering and academic support.

The school – listed fourth in Wales in the Sunday Times Parent Power league table earlier this month – will hold the session from 5.30pm-7.30pm on Tuesday January 16.

Headteacher Zoe Evans hopes parents and prospective students can join them to see the wide range of options available.

“We are proud of our sixth form provision, as in addition to award-winning teaching from subject teachers who have a wealth of experience, we provide a strong support network which provides our learners with the care they need to help them thrive both personally and academically,” said Mrs Evans.

Recognised by Estyn and national awarding bodies – Ysgol Eirias was also named Secondary School of the Year at the North Wales Education Awards – Head of Sixth Form Dr Michael Greenslade said their success in securing career pathways and university places for graduates is “second to none”.

“We are very proud of our A Level results, which are consistently high – in 2023, our learners gained 36% A/A*and 60% A*-B, and there were 42 A* grades awarded – and every pupil that applied to university was successful,” he added.

“We offer a wide range of subjects and ensure all students can take the courses that best suit them, helping them to gain the most appropriate educational experience at this stage.

“Our delivery of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification is timetabled and overseen by a designated coordinator, there are two fully staffed areas that Sixth Form students use as supervised study locations, a common room, and the facilities across the school are first class.”

While the academic offering at Ysgol Eirias is lauded far and wide, Head Prefect Oliver Rothnie says providing a community of support and trust is a top priority.

“At Eirias we place a key importance on respect, both towards each other and to staff, and aim to create a positive, friendly environment,” he said.

“The thing about a school is that it is nothing without the people. As a student you contribute to the school community. You can join the badminton club, you can join history club, you can join the orchestra, and to a large extent you get out what you put in.

“It’s about going above and beyond, not just seeing the school as a place to exist but as a place to flourish – learning is never over, and that’s definitely the case here at Ysgol Eirias.”

For more information, visit the website www.eirias.co.uk/sixth-form or email Dr Greenslade at greensladem6@hwbcymru.net. Alternatively, call 01492 532025.

News

Revamp, investment and celebrity visit for leading Welsh independent school

ST GERARD’S SCHOOL has undergone a period of significant development and investment in past months.

Improvements have been made to the building and gardens at the beloved Bangor institution, in addition to new fencing, better access, signage, lighting and landscaping.

Over the autumn, the independent school was sandblasted, the roof and guttering cleared, there was a revamp of  parent areas, the ‘mindfulness room’ and entrance, and a ‘wellbeing walk’ has been created in picturesque woodlands around the seven-acre site.

A ‘careers café’ was hosted in partnership with Bangor University, a state-of-the-art computer system implemented – streamlining communications with parents and carers, and internally among teachers, students, and staff – and to top it off their popular Bayside Radio show welcomed a very special guest to help raise their profile even further!

Business Manager Steve Griffiths said progress made since the beginning of the academic year has been “incredible” and revealed there is even more to come in the months ahead.

“We have been really busy making improvements and renovating areas around the buildings, as well upgrading the technology and IT infrastructure to ensure St Gerard’s remains at the forefront of academia in this region,” he said.

“The whole environment looks brighter, as you drive or walk onto the school grounds it looks so fresh and new, which is a real positive.”

Steve added: “And we were delighted to have architect and TV presenter George Clarke join our regular radio show, which focuses on health and wellbeing, education, and news from St Gerard’s.

“He was filming a programme locally and dropped in to show his support, which was fantastic.”

St Gerard’s headteacher Campbell Harrison says 2024 will bring even further good news and enhancement of the school’s sporting and academic facilities, with plans for a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and tennis courts on the horizon.”

“This is the first step in a series of improvements and upgrades,” he added.

“We are renowned for being one of the best independent schools in the country for education – our GCSE and A Levels results were again among the highest in North Wales during the summer – so for us now the focus is on maintaining and improving those standards while enhancing the environment for our learners.

“We have made a really good start, and the new year will see further developments so it’s an exciting time for everyone at St Gerard’s.”

For more on Ysgol St Gerard’s, visit the website www.st-gerards.org and follow them on social media. Alternatively, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.