Posted on: Friday 10 October 2025
Today, Cwmbran High School held a special celebration event at the school to mark its 10 year anniversary.
Staff, students, and members of the wider school community were joined by Council Leader Cllr Anthony Hunt, Member of the Senedd Lynne Neagle, MP Nick Thomas-Symonds, and past pupils to celebrate the school’s journey, achievements, and aspirations for the future.
Headteacher Matthew Sims said: “It is important to recognise and celebrate the dedication and hard work of the many friends and colleagues who have supported our school over the past ten years.
“Looking ahead, we do so with confidence and optimism, proud to share the school’s progress and determined to ensure that every one of our children has the opportunity to realise their dreams.”
The celebrations featured a presentation from Pupil Leadership students, a variety of musical performances, and poems recited by young carers at the school.
Year 10 pupil, Jack, said: “I really enjoy coming to Cwmbran High, it’s a place where I feel supported and understood. I don’t usually like speaking in front of others, but I wanted to do it today to represent young carers."
Cwmbran High was formed in 2015 following the merger of Llantarnam School and Fairwater High School, as part of Torfaen Council’s 21st Century Schools programme.
Over the past decade the school has won numerous awards, most notably the Heart of the Community Award and the Young Carers Best Practice Award - for identifying, supporting, and empowering young carers within the school.
Academically, many pupils have progressed to top universities, studying subjects such as meteorology, chemistry, dentistry, medicine, and science.
The school has also enjoyed sporting success, with two Year 9 pupils earning Welsh cricket caps, another securing second place in the Welsh High Jump Final, and the Year 8 team reaching the Welsh Cup Final.
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “Staff, pupils and families at Cwmbran High should be rightly proud of their school. Attendance levels and exam results demonstrate the commitment they are showing to education and their school community.”
Last October Cwmbran High opened a new £500,000 facility designed to support up to 40 pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), alongside enhancements to the school’s Deaf Unit.
Kathryn Ayling, Family and Community Engagement Lead, said: “School is about so much more than education; it’s about understanding and supporting the lives our young people we lead beyond the classroom. We are incredibly proud and deeply passionate about providing care, compassion, and opportunities that help every student feel seen, valued, and supported.”
Earlier this year, the school – which had been under Estyn review since 2018 - was removed from the special measures category.
Work is also underway on a new £1.2m 3G pitch and upgraded hockey area, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which will be available to pupils and local clubs from next year.