Best schools in Swansea: how they compare
Swansea has 100 open schools - 77 primary and 14 secondary among them - teaching about 35,409 pupils. 12% teach through Welsh or in both languages, and 2 are in Estyn follow-up. Here is every school side by side, with what Estyn found when it last visited.
Why there is no league table in Wales
Wales stopped publishing school performance tables, and since September 2022 Estyn, the schools inspectorate, no longer sums a school up in one word like "Excellent" or "Good". Each report describes what pupils learn, how well they are taught and what the school should do next. So a ranking of the best schools in Swansea would rest on someone's opinion, not published data. What you can compare is set out below: whether Estyn has asked a school to improve, what its latest report says, the language your child would be taught in, and the kind of intake each school has.
Estyn follow-up
2 of 100 schools are in follow-up; Estyn returns to check their progress.
- No follow-up94 (94%)
- Significant improvement1 (1%)
- Special measures1 (1%)
- No report on file4 (4%)
Source: Estyn inspection reports
Language of teaching
12% Welsh-medium or dual language in Swansea, against 30% across Wales.
- Welsh-medium12 (12%)
- English-medium79 (79%)
- Not recorded9 (9%)
Source: Welsh Government school data
Schools by stage in Swansea
Click a stage to filter the list below.
- Primary77
- Secondary14
- Special1
Swansea against Wales
The typical (median) school in the council, set against the typical school in Wales.
- Pupils eligible for free meals (3-year)
- 19.2%18.6%
- Pupils with additional learning needs
- 7.9%8.1%
- Budget per pupil
- £6,020£5,801
Source: Welsh Government school census 2025/26 and school budgets 2026-27
What the numbers say about schools in Swansea
At the typical school in Swansea, 19.2% of pupils have been eligible for free school meals over the last three years, close to the Welsh figure. Every primary pupil in Wales now gets a free lunch, so this measures eligibility, the usual guide to how disadvantaged an intake is. 7.9% of pupils at the typical school have additional learning needs (close to the Welsh figure). Schools here receive about £6,020 per pupil, £219 above the Welsh figure. Pupil numbers have risen by 1.0% since 2020/21. The largest school is Olchfa School, with 1,982 pupils.
None of these figures tells you whether a school is good. A school with a more disadvantaged intake can be doing outstanding work, and a small rural school with a high budget per pupil is often simply small. Use them to understand the setting, then read what Estyn wrote.
Every school in Swansea
Schools not in Estyn follow-up first, then the most recently inspected. This is not a ranking by quality.
100 of 100 schools shown
- No follow-up
Townhill Community Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium503 pupils50.6% free meals
"Townhill Community Primary is a highly inclusive school where pupils feel safe and valued." Estyn, June 2026
- No follow-up
Whitestone Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium112 pupils20.9% free meals
"Whitestone Primary School is a highly inclusive school where staff place the needs of pupils and their families at the heart of school life." Estyn, June 2026
- No follow-up
Clase Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium356 pupils56.5% free meals
"At Clase Primary School the headteacher has worked with staff and governors to establish a clear vision that drives a welcoming and inclusive culture where diversity and individual differences matter." Estyn, May 2026
- No follow-up
Penyrheol Comprehensive School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium864 pupils20.7% free meals
"Penyrheol Comprehensive School provides a caring and inclusive environment where many pupils feel well supported and develop a strong sense of belonging." Estyn, May 2026
- No follow-up
Cwmrhydyceirw Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium512 pupils17.5% free meals
"Cwmrhydyceirw Primary School is a warm, welcoming learning community where pupils benefit from a supportive ethos." Estyn, March 2026
- No follow-up
Knelston Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium72 pupils8.9% free meals
"Knelston Primary School is a happy, inclusive and caring community where pupils feel safe, valued and welcome." Estyn, February 2026
- No follow-up
Pennard Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium197 pupils
"Leaders at Pennard Primary School set high expectations." Estyn, February 2026
- No follow-up
St David's Catholic Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic193 pupils
"St David’s Catholic School is a welcoming and caring school where every individual is valued." Estyn, January 2026
- No follow-up
Morriston Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium162 pupils40.5% free meals
"At Morriston Primary School, the wellbeing and achievement of every pupil is a priority, and staff support pupils’ individual needs well." Estyn, November 2025
- No follow-up
Pontarddulais Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium375 pupils23.6% free meals
"Pontarddulais Primary School is a warm and inclusive community where pupils feel safe, respected and valued." Estyn, November 2025
- No follow-up
Craigfelen Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium172 pupils46.4% free meals
"Leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to creating an inclusive and caring school where pupils feel valued, safe and respected." Estyn, October 2025
- No follow-up
Olchfa School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium1,982 pupils10.8% free meals
"Olchfa School provides a nurturing and inclusive environment underpinned by strong relationships between staff and pupils." Estyn, September 2025
- No follow-up
Terrace Road Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium301 pupils29.4% free meals
"Terrace Road Primary is a happy, caring, and inclusive community with a strong team ethos amongst staff." Estyn, September 2025
- No follow-up
Pen Y Fro Primary
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium182 pupils3.5% free meals
"Pen Y Fro Primary School is a welcoming, friendly and happy school." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontybrenin
SwanseaPrimaryWelsh-medium545 pupils4.4% free meals
"Ysgol Gymraeg Pontybrenin is an inclusive community that places a strong emphasis on pupils’ well-being and progress." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Tre Uchaf Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium204 pupils20.9% free meals
"Tre Uchaf Primary is a welcoming and inclusive school where pupils feel safe and valued." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Cwmglas Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium265 pupils43.7% free meals
"Cwm Glâs Primary School provides a warm, caring, and inclusive environment where pupils thrive emotionally and socially." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Pentre'r Graig Primary School
MorristonPrimaryEnglish-medium293 pupils30.0% free meals
"Pentre’r Graig Primary is a happy and inclusive school where pupils and their families are welcomed and celebrated." Estyn, May 2025
- No follow-up
Bishopston Comprehensive School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium1,126 pupils6.3% free meals
"High quality teaching is a notable strength of Bishopston Comprehensive School, and this fosters strong pupil engagement, exemplary behaviour and consistent progress." Estyn, May 2025
- No follow-up
Oneschool Global Uk Swansea Campus
SwanseaNot recorded
"OneSchool Global Swansea, is a nurturing, happy school committed to preparing pupils to be "life-ready." The school aims to develop lifelong learners equipped with transferable skills like teamwork, independence, and leadership, which are essential for future employment, particularly within the Brethren community." Estyn, May 2025
- No follow-up
T? Dan Y Coed
SwanseaNot recorded
"Dan y Coed offers a bespoke curriculum for each pupil, which is broad and balanced." Estyn, March 2025
- No follow-up
Bishop Vaughan R.C. School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic1,269 pupils22.7% free meals
"Strong Catholic values underpin all aspects of the school’s work." Estyn, January 2025
- No follow-up
Sea View Community Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium207 pupils58.3% free meals
"Leaders and staff at Sea View Community Primary have high expectations for pupils’ well- being and learning." Estyn, January 2025
- No follow-up
Gowerton Primary School
GowertonPrimaryEnglish-medium319 pupils12.6% free meals
"Gowerton Primary school is an inclusive and welcoming environment where all pupils are valued and supported well." Estyn, January 2025
- No follow-up
Llanrhidian Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium147 pupils5.6% free meals
"Llanrhidian Primary School provides a vibrant and inclusive environment where staff encourage active participation in learning and school life." Estyn, January 2025
- No follow-up
Gowerton School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium1,077 pupils17.1% free meals
"All members of Gowerton School community are valued, supported and respected." Estyn, December 2024
- No follow-up
Blaenymaes Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium205 pupils69.2% free meals
"The headteacher and staff at Blaenymaes provide a warm, welcoming school environment where pupils feel safe and cared for." Estyn, November 2024
- No follow-up
Pengelli Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium101 pupils13.3% free meals
"Pengelli Primary School is a happy and inclusive community where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging." Estyn, November 2024
- No follow-up
Burlais Primary
CwmbwrlaPrimaryEnglish-medium481 pupils32.8% free meals
"Burlais Primary School is a happy, safe and successful school where all pupils are valued and respected, and their achievements celebrated." Estyn, September 2024
- No follow-up
Gors Community Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium273 pupils48.0% free meals
"Many pupils start school with skills below the expected level, especially in language, communication, and social skills." Estyn, September 2024
- No follow-up
Glyncollen Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium193 pupils10.8% free meals
"Leaders and staff at Glyncollen Primary School demonstrate a clear and effective vision that values all members of the school community and successfully promotes and supports pupils’ well-being." Estyn, June 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bryniago
SwanseaPrimaryWelsh-medium189 pupils7.0% free meals
"Ysgol Gynradd Bryniago is a hard-working and happy community where all pupils have the opportunity to achieve well." Estyn, June 2024
- No follow-up
Pontybrenin Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium291 pupils8.4% free meals
"The pupils, staff and parents in Pontybrenin Primary are proud of the happy, friendly ethos in the school." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Hendrefoilan Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium240 pupils6.6% free meals
"Hendrefoilan Primary School is a calm and happy place where pupils make good progress and achieve well." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Ynystawe Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium188 pupils10.7% free meals
"Ynystawe Primary School is a happy and inclusive school where staff and pupils treat each other with care and respect." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Penyrheol Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium233 pupils30.4% free meals
"Penyrheol Primary School is an inclusive and welcoming school that provides pupils with a rich variety of exciting learning experiences." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gymraeg y Cwm
BonymaenPrimaryWelsh-medium118 pupils19.2% free meals
"The school is a homely, safe and inclusive community that promotes pupils’ well-being very successfully." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Dylan Thomas Community School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium708 pupils51.1% free meals
"Staff at Dylan Thomas Community School offer pupils consistently high-quality care support and guidance." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Plasmarl Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium210 pupils35.8% free meals
"Plasmarl is a highly inclusive school where pupils thrive." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
St Helen's Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium270 pupils23.3% free meals
"St Helen’s Primary School is vibrant, welcoming and highly inclusive." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Y.G.G. Bryn-Y-Mor
AbertawePrimaryWelsh-medium304 pupils5.1% free meals
"Pupils, staff and parents are proud of the school’s happy and friendly ethos." Estyn, January 2024
- No follow-up
YGG Tan-y-lan
MorristonPrimaryWelsh-medium215 pupils18.4% free meals
"The school is a happy and welcoming place and the headteacher and staff provide rich and memorable learning experiences for pupils." Estyn, January 2024
- No follow-up
Pontarddulais Comprehensive School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium827 pupils14.7% free meals
"Pontarddulais Comprehensive School is a dynamic and inclusive school where pupils, regardless of background or ability, thrive academically, socially, and emotionally." Estyn, December 2023
- No follow-up
St Illtyd's R.C. Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic186 pupils28.5% free meals
"Pupils at St Illtyd’s Roman Catholic Primary School thoroughly enjoy coming to school and have a deep sense of belonging." Estyn, December 2023
- No follow-up
Danygraig Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium236 pupils35.3% free meals
"Danygraig Primary School is the cornerstone of the community with well-being at its heart." Estyn, November 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tirdeunaw
AbertawePrimaryWelsh-medium357 pupils23.8% free meals
"Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tirdeunaw is a happy, caring and inclusive community." Estyn, November 2023
- No follow-up
Cefn Hengoed Community School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium894 pupils32.6% free meals
"Leaders at Cefn Hengoed Community School have successfully created a strong culture of consistently high expectations which is underpinned by a mutually supportive and caring ethos." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr
AbertaweSecondaryWelsh-medium1,124 pupils5.8% free meals
"Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr is a caring and happy community, with a strong Welsh ethos where pupils and staff show pride in their school." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Sketty Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium498 pupils5.4% free meals
"Sketty Primary School is a caring, inclusive school that aims to support pupils to reach their full potential and ‘be the best that they can be.’ Most pupils including those with additional learning needs (ALN) make strong progress from their individual starting points and..." Estyn, July 2023
- No follow-up
Parkland Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium620 pupils10.4% free meals
"Parkland Primary School is a happy, vibrant school where pupils thrive." Estyn, May 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Y Login Fach
AbertawePrimaryWelsh-medium225 pupils10.8% free meals
"The school is a homely community that promotes pupils’ well-being successfully." Estyn, May 2023
- No follow-up
Bishop Gore School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium1,296 pupils26.9% free meals
"Bishop Gore School is a diverse and inclusive school where the well-being of pupils and staff is at the heart of its work." Estyn, April 2023
- No follow-up
Grange Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium141 pupils8.4% free meals
"Grange Primary School is a happy, inclusive school that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, March 2023
- No follow-up
Pontlliw Primary School
PontarddulaisPrimaryEnglish-medium220 pupils8.1% free meals
"Pontlliw Primary is a nurturing, happy and hard-working school that places a high priority on the well-being of its staff and pupils." Estyn, March 2023
- No follow-up
Cadle Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium293 pupils48.6% free meals
"The school is a happy, caring and homely community." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Casllwchwr Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium192 pupils10.1% free meals
"Casllwchwr Primary is a caring and nurturing school with the local community at the heart of its activities." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Gwyrosydd Primary
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium371 pupils38.5% free meals
"Gwyrosydd Primary is a caring, supportive and welcoming school for all pupils, including those attending the specialist teaching facility." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Hafod Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium246 pupils28.8% free meals
"Hafod Primary School is a welcoming, inclusive school that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Glais Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium112 pupils11.2% free meals
"Glais Primary School is a warm and welcoming school with a family feel and where staff know the pupils well and strive to meet their needs." Estyn, January 2023
- No follow-up
Clydach Primary school
ClydachPrimaryEnglish-medium156 pupils25.6% free meals
"Clydach Primary school is an inclusive environment where pupils feel safe and cared for by their teachers." Estyn, November 2022
- No follow-up
Gorseinon Primary
GorseinonPrimaryEnglish-medium309 pupils29.0% free meals
"Gorseinon Primary School is a caring, nurturing school that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, November 2022
- No follow-up
Penclawdd Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium133 pupils18.7% free meals
"Pupils at Penclawdd Primary School relish attending school." Estyn, November 2022
- No follow-up
Christchurch (C.I.W.) Voluntary Aided Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales164 pupils17.5% free meals
"The headteacher, supported by the governing body, provides strong leadership and promotes a clear vision for all learners and staff." Estyn, October 2022
- No follow-up
Mayals Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium237 pupils9.8% free meals
"Mayals Primary school is a happy, caring and supportive school that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, October 2022
- No follow-up
Cila Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium108 pupils6.2% free meals
"Cilâ Primary School is a highly supportive and happy learning environment where pupils thrive and progress well." Estyn, June 2022
- No follow-up
Dunvant Primary
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium349 pupils5.3% free meals
"Pupils enjoy learning and are enthusiastic during lessons and in activities around the school." Estyn, June 2022
- No follow-up
Waun Wen Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium187 pupils42.9% free meals
"This is a happy school. Pupils enjoy coming to school and feel that they belong quickly." Estyn, June 2022
- No follow-up
Llangyfelach Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium244 pupils7.5% free meals
"Llangyfelach Primary School is a calm and supportive environment where pupils feel happy and safe." Estyn, May 2022
- No follow-up
Trallwn Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium190 pupils43.1% free meals
"Trallwn Primary School is a welcoming and caring school community." Estyn, May 2022
- No follow-up
Clwyd Community Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium396 pupils49.1% free meals
"Nearly all pupils enjoy being at Clwyd Community Primary School and develop positive attitudes to learning." Estyn, February 2022
- No follow-up
St Joseph's Cathedral Primary School
GreenhillPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic494 pupils18.5% free meals
"St Joseph’s Cathedral Primary School is a safe, nurturing and vibrant place for pupils, staff and visitors to be." Estyn, February 2022
- No follow-up
Birchgrove Comprehensive School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium736 pupils26.5% free meals
- No follow-up
Birchgrove Primary
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium408 pupils21.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Bishopston Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium292 pupils4.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Brynmill Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium274 pupils9.8% free meals
- No follow-up
Crwys Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium130 pupils6.5% free meals
- No follow-up
Ffynone House School Trust
SwanseaNot recorded
- No follow-up
Gendros Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium286 pupils26.5% free meals
- No follow-up
Maes Derw
SwanseaNot recorded
- No follow-up
Newton Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium218 pupils
- No follow-up
Oystermouth Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium213 pupils
- No follow-up
Penllergaer Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium352 pupils9.1% free meals
- No follow-up
Pentrechwyth Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium138 pupils46.8% free meals
- No follow-up
Pentrehafod School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium1,102 pupils32.0% free meals
- No follow-up
Portmead Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium234 pupils45.9% free meals
- No follow-up
Priority Childcare
NeathNot recorded
- No follow-up
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic235 pupils6.1% free meals
- No follow-up
St Thomas Community Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium406 pupils29.6% free meals
- No follow-up
Talycopa Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium203 pupils17.1% free meals
- No follow-up
Waunarlwydd Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium238 pupils23.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Y.G.G. Llwynderw
SwanseaPrimaryWelsh-medium301 pupils2.4% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe
SwanseaSecondaryWelsh-medium825 pupils12.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gymraeg Lon Las
AbertawePrimaryWelsh-medium458 pupils6.4% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Gellionnen
SwanseaPrimaryWelsh-medium185 pupils17.2% free meals
- No report on file
Horizons Educare
NeathNot recorded
- No report on file
Swansea Sixth Form College
SwanseaNot recorded
- No report on file
Ynystawe Lodge
SwanseaNot recorded
- No report on file
Ysgol Calon Lan
SwanseaSpecialNot recordedNot available230 pupils
- Significant improvement
Morriston Comprehensive School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium1,070 pupils23.8% free meals
"Morriston Comprehensive school fosters a strong sense of community." Estyn, September 2024
- Special measures
Brynhyfryd Primary School
BrynhyfrydPrimaryEnglish-medium416 pupils23.6% free meals
"Brynhyfryd Primary School provides pupils with a safe and secure environment." Estyn, March 2025
Choosing and applying for a school in Swansea
Start with Estyn. Its report on each school is short, plain and recent, and the recommendations at the end tell you what the inspectors want to see improve. A school in special measures or in need of significant improvement is being revisited, and some turn round quickly, so check the date and read what has changed. Then visit: an hour in a school tells you more about how it feels than any figure.
Decide early whether you want Welsh-medium education. Every school in Wales teaches Welsh to 16, but a Welsh-medium school teaches most lessons through Welsh, and children from English-speaking homes join from nursery and reception every year. Moving between the two later is harder, so the choice usually matters most at the start of primary school.
Applications for community schools go to Swansea council, not the school; voluntary aided church schools can run their own admissions, so check each one. Welsh councils set their own closing dates and most give priority to children living in a school's catchment area, so check which catchment your address falls in before you rank your choices. If you are applying for a secondary place, look at the feeder primaries too: many Swansea secondaries take most of their pupils from a named group of primary schools.
Questions parents ask about schools in Swansea
How many schools are there in Swansea?
Swansea has 100 open schools on School Signal, including 77 primary and 14 secondary schools, teaching about 35,409 pupils (school census 2025/26).
Which schools in Swansea are in Estyn follow-up?
2 schools are in Estyn follow-up: Morriston Comprehensive School (significant improvement), Brynhyfryd Primary School (special measures). Follow-up means Estyn returns to check progress; it is worth reading the report before ruling a school in or out.
How many Welsh-medium schools are there in Swansea?
12 schools in Swansea teach mainly through Welsh and 0 teach in both languages - 12% of the council's schools, against 30% across Wales. You don't need to speak Welsh at home for your child to attend one.
Is there a school league table for Swansea?
No. Wales stopped publishing school league tables and Estyn no longer gives schools an overall grade, so any "top ten" list for Swansea is someone's own judgement. Compare Estyn's reports, the language of teaching and how far you are from each school instead.
Sources: Estyn inspection reports (Crown copyright, quoted with acknowledgement); Welsh Government school census and school budget data, Open Government Licence v3.0.