Actor Rhys Ifans as our Patron

Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn are delighted to have actor Rhys Ifans as our Patron. Rhys  “considered himself at home” when he visited Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn earlier on in 2015. The Ruthin-born actor was treated to an impromptu performance of the song from Oliver! by pupils.

Rhys Ifans

Ifans, who has appeared in blockbusters such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and The Amazing Spiderman, responded with applause and said: “That was great guys. When are we going on tour?”

His Rise to Fame

He spoke of his rise to fame and the pros and cons of life in the spotlight during a question and answer session which followed. Speaking of his involvement with the school afterwards, he said: “My mother told me about the school. She was a headmistress at Ysgol y Parc just across the road and both my parents were teachers, so I know this part of Dyffryn Clwyd very well.

“They (the staff) very kindly invited me to be patron. I thought it was just a great opportunity.

“I have many friends with children who suffer with varying degrees of autism, so I am familiar with the condition.

“My friend’s kids who are autistic, I am so very, very fond of them. They’re just such amazing kids on every level.

“Given that there was an establishment like this doing such great work on my doorstep, it made sense to get involved as much as I can.

“This is my first visit here and hopefully, in the future, each time I visit my lovely mum, I’ll have a lovely school to come and visit as well.”

He added: “I just wanted to support it in any way that I can and, after seeing what the kids were doing today and what I’ve been told about the curriculum and the work that goes on here, it’s humbling to say the least.

“For all my success, being able to give up my time and energy to support this beats any award you can ever be given.”