Archives working with Ruthin School to preserve its history
North East Wales Archives and Denbighshire County Council are working alongside FRP Advisory, the administrators of Ruthin School to safeguard the school's documentary heritage, ensuring its history is preserved and accessible for generations to come.
With a history spanning more than 700 years, Ruthin School has played a significant role in the local community, not only as a centre of education but also as an employer. While the school has now closed, work is underway to ensure its historic records are carefully preserved rather than lost.
At the same time, Denbighshire County Council's Education Service is working to support children and their parents or carers affected by the closure. Families are encouraged to contact the Council if they require advice or assistance with securing a school place. Information about school admissions is available on the Council's website.
North East Wales Archives already cares for a wide range of school collections from across the region, including those of Howell's School in Denbigh and Grove Park School in Wrexham. The archive service is committed to preserving any surviving records from Ruthin School to the same high standard, making them available to support research, family history, education and community heritage.
Archivist Sarah Roberts said: "School archives are more than collections of administrative documents. They tell the stories of pupils, staff and local communities, capturing everyday life alongside significant milestones and achievements. Preserving these records helps protect the unique identity of a school while creating lasting resources for future generations."
Councillor Diane King, Denbighshire County Council's Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: "The closure of Ruthin School is very sad news for everyone connected with the school and for the wider community. Our priority is to support children, young people and their families through this difficult time, and our Education Service is available to provide advice and guidance to help parents and carers secure appropriate school places for their children."
Councillor Emrys Wynne, Denbighshire County Council's Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said: "Ruthin School has been an important part of the area's history for centuries. While this chapter has come to an end, it is important that the school's remarkable story is not lost. By working with the administrators to preserve its records, we can help ensure that future generations are able to understand and appreciate the school's contribution to education and to the life of our community."
The archive service is also interested in any Ruthin School records held by former pupils or members of the community, including school photographs, newsletters and prospectuses. Anyone who has material they would like to offer to the archive service can contact them by email at archives@newa.wales or visit the North East Wales Archives website for further information.