St Gerard’s School in Bangor is preparing to welcome prospective sixth form students and their families this week, hoping to build on a recent surge in pupil numbers. The school, which has seen enrolments rise by 16% over the past year, will hold an open evening on Thursday, November 7, for students aged 16 to 18. The event will give attendees a chance to explore sixth form options, sample the school’s newly upgraded facilities, and meet teachers, current students, and staff.
The open evening will run from 3.30pm to 6pm, offering prospective students and their families a glimpse into the variety of subjects on offer, including A Levels in areas such as Spanish, Politics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Music, and Psychology. The school has recently invested in enhancing its facilities, including updates to the library and Sixth Form suite, now equipped with modern furniture, games machines, a pool table, comfortable seating, and even a jukebox.
Headteacher Campbell Harrison commented on the school’s recent successes, noting that the year started strong with some of Wales’ best A Level and GCSE results. He explained, “We are known for our academic success, but just as important is our commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for our students. With recent investments, we are better equipped than ever to meet those goals.”
Harrison acknowledged the challenging climate for independent schools in the UK but expressed gratitude for the support from the school community. “We’re fortunate to have a loyal network of parents, students, and community stakeholders who see the unique value of a St Gerard’s education. It’s more than just a school – it’s a family. The spirit here is something truly special, and I think visitors to our open evening will feel that.”
The evening will feature interactive presentations, refreshments, and guided tours of the refurbished facilities. As part of its long-term growth plan, St Gerard’s has implemented a series of upgrades across its Ffriddoedd Road site, including an expanded car park, updated toilets, improved access, new fencing, updated signage, and modern interior furnishings. In addition, the school has recently completed a major roofing overhaul and invested £150,000 in a revamped heating system with seven new boilers to improve energy efficiency.
The school’s recent rebranding has also included a new website, refreshed logo, updated uniforms, and a building modernisation project that, for the first time in the institution’s 109-year history, has brought primary and secondary students under the same roof.
With a busy calendar leading up to Christmas, including a festive concert, a holiday lunch, and charity performances, Business Manager Steve Griffiths highlighted the school’s atmosphere of positivity and growth. “There’s a lot happening at St Gerard’s, and the response to the sixth form open evening has already been encouraging,” he noted. “Our recent investments show our commitment to providing the best possible learning environment, not just for today’s students but for future generations.”
St Gerard’s will continue to focus on its unique community and long-term educational mission as it seeks to expand its sixth form enrolment, ensuring the school remains a pillar of excellence and innovation in Bangor.
