Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun is a Welsh-medium comprehensive secondary school located in Penywaun, in the Cynon Valley, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales. Established on 1 September 1995, the school serves pupils aged 11 to 18 and draws students from the Cynon Valley and neighbouring Merthyr Tydfil County Borough.
The school was founded to meet the growing demand for Welsh-medium secondary education in the area. Prior to its establishment, local pupils often had to travel to Pontypridd for secondary education in Welsh. The creation of Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun provided a local option for Welsh-medium education, catering to students from five local Welsh-medium primary schools.
Leadership
The senior leadership team is led by Headteacher Lisa Williams, supported by Deputy Headteacher Betsan Jones. The team also includes Assistant Headteachers Geraint Jones, Laura Sweet, and Huw Voyle. The leadership has been praised for fostering a positive school ethos and ensuring high standards of teaching.
Academic Performance
The school has a strong academic record. Recent A-level results showed a pass rate of approximately 96%, with nearly 70% of grades at A*-C. The 2025 Estyn inspection report highlighted excellent teaching quality, effective leadership, and a supportive learning environment. The report noted that pupils benefit greatly from stimulating learning experiences in a caring environment where supportive working relationships between staff and pupils form the basis of effective learning. However, it also recommended that the school sharpens its self-evaluation processes to identify areas for improvement more precisely.
Facilities and Expansion
As part of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, the school underwent a £12.1 million expansion. This project increased the capacity from 1,038 to 1,225 pupils and included a new eight-classroom teaching block, enhanced drama and music facilities, a sports hall, fitness suite, and a 45-space car park with cycle store. In addition, an all-weather 3G sports pitch opened in April 2019 for school and community use. By the end of March 2023, the scheme included remodeling existing buildings to provide upgraded Science and Design & Technology classrooms, extra office space, a lecture-style classroom, café, and enhanced sixth-form facilities.
Notable Alumni
**Andrew Coombs** – Wales international rugby player
**Nathan Craze** – British international ice hockey player
**Thomas Young** – Wales international rugby player
**Steffan Dylan Jones** – Former pupil accepted to Harvard University; achieved high academic performance and represented Wales in athletics.
Community and Extracurricular
The school emphasizes student wellbeing, extracurricular engagement, and community access. Many facilities, including the sports hall, drama and music blocks, and 3G pitch, are available to the public with arrangements to ensure safe separation from school operations.
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