| Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun | |
|---|---|
| | |
| Location | |
| |
Rhodfa Lawrence , , CF44 9ES Wales | |
| Coordinates | 51°44′05″N3°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 | 11to 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 [update] , 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]
As of 2025 [update] , 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]
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]
The school has a rugby union team, and competes in the East Wales Premier League (North). [7]
There are three houses, Cynon, Dâr and Taf, named after the local rivers, Cynon, Dare and Taff.