THE academic year is off to a first class start at one of the country’s leading independent schools.

St Gerard’s School in Bangor has brought all its pupils – primary and secondary – under the same roof for the first time in its 109-year history.

The move follows a summer of huge investment at the Ffriddoedd Road site, including a new car park and toilet block, access, fencing, furniture, and signage, a major overhaul of the roof, and a £150,000 revamped heating system featuring seven state-of-the-art boilers.

After securing some of the best GCSE and A Level results in Wales – more than double the national average at grades A*/A for both qualifications – headteacher Campbell Harrison said September heralded a new dawn for St Gerard’s, ahead of a raft of further developments in the coming months.

“Bringing the primary school children into the main building and investing further in the facilities for them – including new uniforms – and all our learners was crucial,” he said.

“We want to make this a warm, welcoming environment for everyone, following a 16% rise in pupils over the last 12 months, and have done so with these improvements.

“St Gerard’s was already a positive setting for children and staff, and we have built on that with renovations and a rebrand that take us forward into this academic year with confidence.”

Following the installation of an extended ‘wellness walk’ and play surfaces, future proposals on-site centre around sports facilities – five-a-side pitches, tennis courts and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).

Business Manager Steve Griffiths said national challenges in the sector can be navigated with the continued support of parents, carers and the community, and they are looking forward to welcoming families and prospective pupils to a ‘cake, coffee and open day’ from 9am until 4pm on Friday September 27, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

“We have invested significantly in chairs, desks, equipment and more for the pupils, so both the internal and external areas of the school have been transformed,” said Steve.

“The sixth form common room and libraries will also undergo refurbishment – including digital platforms and screens – and the sports provision is another major development, with us already applying for planning permission for floodlights to extend usage of the facilities.

“We have big plans but most importantly, given the incredible results achieved by our learners in the summer, the academic side is going from strength to strength.

“The open day is an opportunity for us to raise funds for charity and also showcase the improvements we have made to existing and potential pupils and their families – we look forward to seeing you all soon.”

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

ONE of the leading independent schools in Wales is celebrating outstanding GCSE results.

Pupils at St Gerard’s School in Bangor achieved a 97% pass rate for grades A*-C, compared to the national average of 62.2%.

The figure for A*/A was 58%, more than treble the 19.2% national average.

The news comes a week after the institution’s learners secured a staggering 60% for A*/A at A Level, more than double the national average of 29.9%.

This followed a hugely positive 12 months which included a 10% rise in pupils, and there are plans for new sports facilities and further redevelopment of the Ffriddoedd Road site.

Headteacher Campbell Harrison praised learners for their dedication and resilience following a challenging time for the education sector during and post-pandemic.

He said: “We are so proud of all the pupils and staff, they have worked hard over the last few years to secure these results, which are fully deserved.

“We look forward to the next chapter in their academic careers and are sure they will all go on to achieve great things.”

Among those celebrating were: Maya Segun (eight A*s, two As), Lily Braden (three A*s, seven As), Charlotte Riches (five A*s, five As), and Deacon Fisher (four A*s, three As and two Bs).

Others to receive their grades included Jack Lowry (three A*s, six As and a 6), Elissa Gibson (three A*s, seven As and a B), Alice Roberts (two A*s, seven As and two Bs), Megan Rae Jones (two A*s, four As and four Bs), and Lola Ashwell with one A*, five As and five Bs.

Mr Harrison added: “Across the board they have done their very best, put in huge effort and are a credit to all of us at St Gerard’s.

“I would like to thank the staff and pupils, their families and everyone who has shown the school so much support, we are proud of our place at the heart of the community here in Bangor, and these results reflect that.”

AN ENTERPRISING business manager celebrating his first year with a leading independent school reflected on a period of growth, redevelopment, and investment.

St Gerard’s School has been a mainstay in Bangor since 1915, and the last 12 months has been among the most pivotal in its history.

Business Manager Steve Griffiths, from Church Bay, Anglesey, revealed how more than 25 years’ experience in the commercial sector – including sales, transport, and recruitment – played its part in shaping progress at the beloved institution.

A 10% rise in pupils, new sports facilities, a complete rebranding exercise and bringing all learners under one roof – neighbouring buildings currently used for early years provision have been sold subject to contract – are just some of the achievements he and the team, led by headteacher Campbell Harrison, have achieved since last summer.

“This is far more than a job for me, and that’s not just because of the personal connection as my daughter is a pupil here,” said Steve.

“St Gerard’s is a living and breathing environment, renowned for academic excellence, but while I am passionate about that side we also had to focus on commercial elements, with it being an independent entity.

“We have done so much in a short space of time, and from my side the emphasis was on bringing my private sector background into education and looking at how we can be more commercial to improve facilities – including classrooms, sporting provision, and general IT infrastructure – while retaining our core values.

“There have been challenges, and there could be others on the way, so we are becoming even more sustainable and efficient, by lowering our carbon footprint, creating revenue streams and future-proofing the school.”

Steve pointed to the “huge potential” at St Gerard’s given its unique location in the heart of the city.

“This is a seven-acre city centre site which is close to all amenities but surrounded by woodland and picturesque gardens in an idyllic region, it’s something of an oasis for the pupils and staff,” he said.

“We are maximising what we have and building on that, working in tandem and looking forward to seeing how things develop.”

Revamped sports facilities including tennis courts and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) are proposed for this autumn and follow the construction of a wildlife ‘wellness walk’ around the campus and an upgrade to the gardens, access, fencing, signage, and external and internal redecoration, notably a mindfulness room and parent areas.

“We are in a positive place, but you must still anticipate and adapt, which is what we’ve done and will continue to do to grow,” said Steve.

“I’m proud of everything we’ve introduced, and importantly how the parents have engaged and supported us on our journey, while we in turn have done a lot for local charities, alumni, and organisations in the community.

“There have been little things which have a big impact, even a lick of paint and decorating corridors and rooms with pupils’ fantastic artwork for example, while being quite entrepreneurial in some instances, looking at best ways to utilise the space we have.”

He added: “There are a lot of USPs, and people can see that, which in turn led to an increase in numbers from Year 7 onwards, bucking the trend and fostering a sense of trust and responsibility that this is the perfect setting for young learners.

“This is a school, so learning is the priority, and this has definitely been a learning curve for me! But I have enjoyed every second and am pleased we have managed to upgrade and modernise areas of St Gerard’s while retaining its traditions and being sympathetic to our surroundings.

“We know our history but are focused on growth and sustainability, for the next generation 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.