The Osborn Hall's great transformation is complete
One thing that truly sets Rydal Penrhos apart is the school's constant desire to put the pupils' interests at the forefront of everything we do. Improving the provisions and facilities for our pupils whilst remaining focused on preserving our heritage and history is a key element of this.
The school’s ethos that was implemented well over a century ago still forms the core values that are evident across the site today. Values that have brought success both academically and through the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities available. Values that enable our children and young people to be confident, kind, resilient and curious, capable of handling whatever challenges life throws at them.
The school’s Senior Leadership Team and staff, together with the Governing Body, have worked exceptionally hard in recent years to form a clear, concise plan to improve all areas of Rydal Penrhos. This is done with the sole purpose of putting our pupils first and ensuring they get the most out of their education with us.
Recognising the importance of the school's foundation and making it fit in with the current direction of Rydal Penrhos is of paramount importance. This comes with a comprehensive curriculum and prepares each pupil for the challenges that lie ahead when they move on to higher education and the working world.
Our outstanding facilities also play a significant role in keeping our pupils safe, happy and thriving. We are thrilled to announce that another exciting development - the refurbishment of the newly named Osborn Hall - is now complete! Used in past lives as the chapel, the Dining Hall and Learning Resource Centre / Library it is the very heart of the school, the jewel in our crown.
Now restored to its former beauty and grandeur it offers a substantial learning space that can hold pupil events, host guest speaker presentations to pupils and play a leading part in major gatherings, alongside the Memorial Hall.
The Osborn Hall is a Grade II listed building with beautiful wood panelling, parquet floors and stained-glass windows. It is both an iconic and glorious building. And so reviving it to its former beauty is felt by the school to be its duty and its honour.
The renovation – which can also be utilised for weddings and private functions outside of school hours – is yet another tremendous asset for Rydal Penrhos and its sustained future growth.
Thomas Osborn MA was the founding headmaster of Rydal School, which opened in a house named Rydal Mount in 1885. Though the site in Lansdowne Road only started with 15 boys, its growth was rapid and the accommodation soon had to be expanded.
In five years, the number of pupils had risen to more than 100.
Mr Osborn was an extremely able and inspiring teacher.
A report on the speech day of 1905 gives an insight into Mr Osborn’s aims for the school:
“He did not aim at the idea of an ordinary English public school. He wished to make that domesticity which was incompatible with life in a large public school a feature of school life at Rydal Mount, and he wanted his school to be conducted on lines leading to the highest possible education, combined with high religious culture.”
On his death his son, George FA Osborn, BSc assumed the headship.
Thomas Osborn
We look forward shortly to furnishing the walls of this grand hall with some of our archive paintings and boards for the benefit of future generations who will use and enjoy this space.
Thank you so much to the people who gave of their time and talent freely to decorate and photograph the Osborn Hall.
Photographer:- Martin Vaughan Photography
Florist and venue dresser: Scent with Love
Dancefloor: Event Dance Floors
Photobooth: Event Lounge
DJ set up: DJ Entertainment North Wales
