RYDOL Penrhos school in Colwyn Bay is to cease taking boarders and will become solely a day school.

The school’s Governing Body has announced the launch of Project Bold, which will see the gradual transition of Rydal Penrhos to a full day school providing independent education meeting the needs of families by 2021.

Pupil numbers at the school were up ten per cent at the beginning of the academic year in September, with 80 per cent of those living and learning at Rydal Penrhos now enrolled as day pupils.

The decision has come following a lengthy strategic review, taking in factors such as the changing market for independent education and the general economic climate.

A spokesman for the school explained the reasons for the decision, he said: “The need for boarding is decreasing across the country, and given how well we are doing in the regional market then it is a change that fulfils the current state of the market.”

Currently the school has 59 boarders currently from abroad.

Julian Barnes, chairman of the school’s governors, said: “The school’s senior leadership team will act as the implementation committee, addressing the many practical issues that will be raised by these proposed strategic changes.

“The school is committed to ensuring its continued success in both high academic achievements and pastoral care based on its strong Methodist ethos.”