Olchfa School () is the largest secondary school in

Swansea Swansea ( ; ) is a coastal City status in the United Kingdom, city and the List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, second-largest city of Wales. It forms a Principal areas of Wales, principal area, officially known as the City and County of ...

, South

Wales Wales ( ) is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by the Irish Sea to the north and west, England to the England–Wales border, east, the Bristol Channel to the south, and the Celtic ...

, with approximately 1,900 pupils, including a

sixth form In the education systems of Barbados, England, Jamaica, Northern Ireland, Trinidad and Tobago, Wales, and some other Commonwealth countries, sixth form represents the final two years of secondary education, ages 16 to 18. Pupils typically prepa ...

of over 400 students. Situated in Sketty Park to the west of Sketty, it provides secondary education for

GCSE The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is an academic qualification in a range of subjects taken in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, having been introduced in September 1986 and its first exams taken in 1988. State schools ...

and

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qualifications. In 2024, it was named one of the top 100 state secondary schools in the UK. Olchfa (part of the Sketty Swansea suburb) means 'washing place' in the English language. Around 12% of pupils have a special educational need and 1.7% have a statement of special educational needs. Both of these figures are below the Welsh averages of 21.5% and 2% respectively. Nearly a quarter of pupils come from an ethnic minority background and just over 20% speak English as an additional language. The headteacher is Julian Kennedy, who has been in post since 2023. The

Welsh Government The Welsh Government ( ) is the Executive (government), executive arm of the Welsh devolution, devolved government of Wales. The government consists of Cabinet secretary, cabinet secretaries and Minister of State, ministers. It is led by the F ...

has selected the school as a Pioneer School to participate in the development of its curriculum.

Academic performance

In its most recent

Estyn Estyn is the education and training inspectorate for Wales. Its name comes from the Welsh language verb meaning 'to reach (out), stretch or extend'. Its function is to provide an independent inspection and advice service on quality and stand ...

inspection in 2018, Olchfa School received the highest possible judgement, 'Excellent' in all five inspection areas. In the same year, the school reported a

pass rate of 85% (based on 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C), placing it among the top five schools in Wales, and top three for the percentage of A*-A grades. It ranked 74th in the UK in 2018, based on combined A-level (A*-B) and GCSE (A*-C) performance. In 2023, 33.7% of A-level results at Olchfa were awarded A*-A grades. The school was named the second-best state secondary in Wales by the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Facilities

The school consists of several sections — the main building, a south block, two purpose-built assembly halls, and a professionally equipped Theatre Hall that also serves as a third assembly venue when required. Additional facilities include a P.E. department with multiple indoor sports halls, a dedicated maths and science block, an on-site swimming pool, and a range of outdoor pitches for Tennis, Rugby, Football, Netball, Basketball and Cricket. A £1.6 million investment is currently underway to develop a full-size, all-weather 3G pitch. There is also an on-site specialist facility supporting the needs of hearing-impaired pupils.

Notable former pupils

Sports * Daniel Alfei, Welsh U21 International and former Swansea City footballer. * Simon Davey, former Swansea City footballer and football manager *

Aaron Lewis Aaron Francis Lewis (born April 13, 1972) is an American musician who is best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and founding member of the alternative metal band Staind, with whom he released eight studio albums. Since 2010, he has p ...

, Welsh U21 International and Newport County footballer * Mark Harris, Welsh International and Cardiff City footballer * David Hemp, Bermudan International Cricketer * Charles Lowen, English International Cricketer * Richie Rees, Rugby Player * Ellie Simmonds OBE, Paralympian Gold Medalist Swimmer * Robert Folland, Football Player Other * Richard Barrett, Composer *

Russell T Davies Stephen Russell Davies ( ; born 27 April 1963), known professionally as Russell T Davies, is a Welsh screenwriter and television producer. He is best known for being the original showrunner and head writer of the revival of the BBC sci-fi seri ...

, screenwriter and television producer * Sir Andrew Dilnot, Economist * Joe Dunthorne, poet and author"Shooting of movie adaptation surreal experience for writer"
"This is South Wales", 20 November 2009, accessed 24 August 2011. * Liz Fuller, actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder * Stephen Harris, rock musician with stage name "Kid Chaos" *

Georgia Henshaw Georgia Henshaw (born 11 July 1993) is a Welsh actress best known for her roles on British television. Among her leading roles have been those of Rosie, a member of "The Ace Gang" in '' Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging'', and as JJ's love in ...

, Actress * Nerys Jefford, High Court judge * Andrew Jones, Film producer * Heather Nicholson, animal rights activist List of Headteachers * Curtis Grove; 1969 - tbd * John Booth; tbd- 1993 * Hugh Davies; tbd - Feb 2025 * Julian Kennedy; Feb 2025 - present

References

{{Authority control Secondary schools in Swansea Education in Swansea Sixth form colleges in Wales 1969 establishments in Wales Educational institutions established in 1969