Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun
| Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
Rhodfa Lawrence , , CF44 9ES Wales | |
| Coordinates | 51°44′05″N 3°29′36″W / 51.7346°N 3.4932°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Secondary comprehensive |
| Motto | Gwir. Gweithgar. Gwych. |
| Established | 1995 |
| Local authority | Rhondda Cynon Taf |
| Department for Education URN | 401822 Tables |
| Head teacher | Lisa Williams |
| Staff | 80+ |
| Teaching staff | 60+ |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrolment | 1030 |
| Language | Welsh |
| Houses | 3 |
| Colours | Red, Black and Gold |
| Website | www |
Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun is a Welsh-medium secondary comprehensive school with a sixth form in the Cynon Valley in the village of Penywaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, to the northwest of the town of Aberdare.
The school was established on 1 September 1995 for the increasing numbers of students attending five local Welsh-medium primary schools, who previously had to travel to secondary school in Pontypridd. It provides a Welsh-medium education for pupils from the Cynon Valley and from neighbouring Merthyr Tydfil County Borough, where there is no Welsh-medium secondary school.[1] As of 2025, there were 1030 pupils, including 116 in the sixth form.[2] 17% of pupils speak Welsh at home.[2] 0.9% of pupils have special educational needs, and 12% are eligible for free school meals; both these figures are lower than the national figure for Wales.[2]
School inspections
As of 2025, the school's last inspection by Estyn was in 2021, with the finding that the school provides "stimulating learning experiences in a caring environment where supportive working relationships between staff and pupils form the basis of effective learning".[2] The inspection identified strengths in literacy, supporting children with special educational needs, leadership, pastoral care, improving attendance and extra-curricular activities.[2] Inspectors praised the school's vision and framework, called "Ffordd Rhydywaun". Areas for improvement were self-evaluation, financial management and challenge by governors.[2] The school's previous performance rating from Estyn was Adequate, and the school at that time was rated Amber for its need for support.[3][4]
Buildings
In 2021, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council announced a plan to improve the school's buildings at a cost of £12 million, adding capacity for an additional 187 pupils.[5] The main part of the work was completed in September 2022, with some continuing into 2023.[6]
Sport
The school has a rugby union team, and competes in the East Wales Premier League (North).[7]
Houses
There are three houses, Cynon, Dâr and Taf, named after the local rivers, Cynon, Dare and Taff.
Notable alumni
- Andrew Coombs, rugby union player[8]
- Owen Williams, rugby union player[9]
- Thomas Young, rugby union player[9]
References
- ^ Lewis, Anthony (13 September 2019). "Parents launch Welsh language drive in Merthyr Tydfil". Wales Online.
- ^ a b c d e f "A report on Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun" (PDF). Estyn. March 2025. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ "A report on Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun" (PDF). Estyn. November 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ "Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun". Wales Online. 31 July 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ Blundell, Steph (5 August 2021). "Willmott Dixon bags £12m Ysgol Rhydywaun school". Planning, Building & Construction Today. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ "Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun". Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ "Pennant Walters provides funding boost to Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun rugby team". AberdareOnline. 28 October 2025. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ "Schoolboy rivals Ian Evans and Andrew Coombs happy to be reunited for Wales". Wales Online. 9 February 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ a b Thomas, Simon (9 January 2017). "How Thomas Young became Welsh rugby's most talked about player". Wales Online. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
External links