Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun, Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun is a Welsh-medium school in Wales. Welsh schools are inspected by Estyn rather than Ofsted, and its latest report is published on Estyn's website.

It had 1047 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

13% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 2% have additional learning needs (18% in 2020/21); and 1% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 57 pupils (Year 13) to 194 (Year 8).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £6,101 per pupil, against £4,327 in 2021-22. It ended 2024-25 with a deficit of £541k.

Estyn's report on its February 2025 inspection summarises Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun like this:

"Pupils at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Rhydywaun benefit greatly from stimulating learning experiences in a caring environment where supportive working relationships between staff and pupils form the basis of effective learning. Most teachers plan their lessons carefully and nurture positive attitudes to learning, and many pupils make progress that is at least appropriate for their age and ability. In a few lessons, teaching is inspiring, with creative activities and probing questioning that develop a deep understanding and enthusiasm among pupils. One of the school’s noticeable strengths is the broad and creative approach to developing pupils’ literacy skills. Initiatives such as ‘Llais Rhydywaun’ and ‘Dim ond darllen’ ensure that strategic and practical provision supports the development of oral, reading and writing skills across the curriculum."

"This leads to work of a high standard, such as analysing literary texts in Welsh or logical discussions about historical subjects. The school has also devised very strong arrangements to support pupils with additional learning needs, including effective transition arrangements, personal planning and meaningful co- operation with staff and parents. This provision supports most of these pupils to make sound progress from their starting points. Although there are many strengths, there are a few areas where the school could refine its methods further. For example, although self-evaluation activity is broad and thorough, subsequent actions are not always specific enough."

"Similarly, although leaders are working with the local authority to manage the school’s budget and reduce the financial deficit, they do not always monitor expenditure strategically enough. High quality leadership is core to the school’s success. The headteacher and senior leadership team provide clear and supportive direction and have a purposeful vision that is rooted firmly in pupils’ well-being and aspirations. A culture of considerate leadership contributes to a happy atmosphere where staff and pupils work together effectively to achieve the best possible standards. As a result, pupils behave well and show obvious pride in their school and respond positively to the clear expectations under the banner of ‘Ffordd Rhydywaun’."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Sharpen self-evaluation processes, particularly the actions for improvement; (2) Strengthen financial management, including the use of the pupil development grant.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun are St John Baptist C.I.W. High School (2 miles), Aberdare Community School (2.8 miles), Ferndale Community School (4.6 miles) and Mountain Ash Comprehensive School (5.4 miles).

The nearest railway station is Aberdare Rail Station, about 2.5 miles away in a straight line.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Gamlyn Terrace (after), 340 metres away.