YSGOL Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg is a Welsh medium three to 19 school which was established in September 2015 following the amalgamation of Ysgol Gynradd Nant Talwg and Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg.

Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg, the original school, opened as the county’s only Welsh medium secondary school in September 2000.

The school was formerly the lower school of Barry Comprehensive School and by 2002 there were 24 teachers and 369 pupils in Year 7 to 9.

A quarter of the pupils came from homes where one parent could speak Welsh, and six per cent came from homes where both parents could speak Welsh.

Well known past pupils include Lloyd Williams, rugby player for Cardiff Blues and Wales, Cory Allen, rugby player for Cardiff Blues and Wales U20's, Steffan Jones, rugby player for Wales 7s, and Wes Burns, football player for Bristol City,

The secondary school’s vision, based upon its motto ‘Dyro dy law i mi ac fe awn i ben y mynydd’ (‘Give me your hand and we will reach the mountain top’) emphasises co-operation, trust, and the constant drive for every pupil to reach the top in their talents and abilities.

The school has very well-established partnerships with other Welsh medium schools in Barry, within the Vale of Glamorgan and the five counties within the Central South Consortium.

The school is recognised as a 'Hub school' where primary teachers can receive training in the Outstanding Teacher Programme and the Improving Teacher Programme.

In addition, all Welsh medium newly qualified teachers attend a seven day course at the school as they embark on their new career.

As a Digital Pioneer School and Professional Learning School the staff and pupils are at the forefront of national curriculum changes for 2022.

Head teacher, Hwyel Price said: “Staff at the school provide a wide variety of clubs on a weekly basis which include a variety of sports, drama, music, revision clubs, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and a weekly schedule of fixtures.

“There is a constant drive to adjust the curriculum to the requirements of employers and this year sociology, construction and skills in the workplace were additional subjects to the school curriculum.

“The school has a long history of strong academic success and 50 per cent of pupils access Russell Group Universities annually with three pupils receiving offers to Oxbridge in October 2018.

“Public speaking is a particular strength and in 2017 the school was crowned the English Speaking Union national champions and the first school from Wales to win this prestigious award.

“The school is very well supported by an active, challenging, and experienced governing body.

A particular strength of the school is the sense of community, support, and the strong welsh ethos.

Mr Price added: “These are very exciting times for Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg.

“As the only Welsh medium three to 19 school in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan there are immense curriculum opportunities arising, in particular with the enormous changes facing schools by 2022.

“In addition, there is a very large demand for Welsh medium education in the county with the new pupil intake from September surpassing the 200 mark.

“The intention is to expand upon the present site allowing the school population to rise to approximately 1,400 by September 2021 with a major improvement, in the catering, sporting and educational facilities of the school fit for the 21st century.”

The school won more than seven awards at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in 2017 – highlighting its all-round talent.

PANEL

Chairman of governors: Mr Robert Evans

Headteacher of three-19 school: Mr Hywel Price

Motto: dyro dy law i mi ac fe awn i ben y mynydd (‘Give me your hand and we will reach the mountain top’)

Number of pupils on secondary roll: 883 (additional 238 in the primary). Total: 1121

Age of pupils: 11 to 18

Last inspection: the school awaits its first inspection as a three-19 school.