📘 Our School History

Pontarddulais Primary School stands on a site with a rich and evolving educational heritage stretching back well over a century. The school’s history reflects the growth of the town itself and the changing shape of education in Wales.

🌱 Early Beginnings (19th Century)

• The earliest confirmed records of organised schooling in Pontarddulais date from 1878–1938, preserved through surviving school log books held by the West Glamorgan Archive Service. These invaluable documents show that formal education was already well established in the town by the late 19th century.

🏫 The Birth of a New School (1938)

• A major milestone came on 1 April 1938, when Pontarddulais Senior Mixed School officially opened. This modern facility provided education for older pupils and marked a significant investment in the community’s educational future.

• Throughout the 1946–1950 period, additional records refer to Llwchwr, Pontarddulais Secondary Modern School, confirming continuous secondary education on the site during the post‑war years.

• Historic Ordnance Survey maps from 1927–1954 also show the school buildings in place, further demonstrating the long-standing role of the site as a centre for learning.

🔄 From Secondary to Primary (1973)

• In 1973, Pontarddulais Secondary School closed. Older pupils were transferred to the newly opened Penyrheol Comprehensive School, marking the end of secondary provision on the site.

• Soon after, the former secondary school building was repurposed and became the home of Pontarddulais Primary School, giving the primary-age children of Pontarddulais a spacious and well-established environment in which to learn.

🏫 Pontarddulais Primary School Today

• Pontarddulais Primary School is now a thriving English-medium school serving children aged 3 to 11. By 2018, the school roll had grown to 481 pupils, including 75 nursery learners, reflecting its continued importance within the community.
   
• In September 2017, Mr. G. Davies became Headteacher, guiding the school through ongoing curriculum reform and modern educational developments.

• According to Swansea Council, the school had 363 full-time equivalent pupils in January 2025, with a total capacity of 388—a strong sign of its sustained growth and popularity.

📅 Summary Timeline

• 1878–1938: Earliest surviving school records (log books).
• 1 April 1938: Pontarddulais Senior Mixed School opens.
• 1946–1950: Secondary Modern School era evidenced in archives.
• 1927–1954: School buildings shown on OS maps.
• 1973: Secondary school closes; site becomes Pontarddulais Primary School.
• 2017: Mr. G. Davies becomes Headteacher.
• 2018: Estyn‑recorded enrolment of 481 pupils (75 nursery).
• 2025: Local authority lists 363 FTE pupils, capacity 388.

If anyone has any further historical knowledge of the School as well as photos please share.