| Motto: | Dysg, Dawn, Daioni |
| Motto Translation: | Learning, Talent, Goodness |
| Opened: | 3 September 1969 |
| Head Label: | Headmaster |
| Head: | Julian Kennedy (2023–Present) |
| Address: | Gower Road |
| Postcode: | SA2 7AB |
| Local Authority: | Swansea |
| Enrolment: | 1,700 - February 2018 |
| Lower Age: | 11 |
| Upper Age: | 19 |
| Colours: | Blue and red |
| Website: | https://www.olchfa.org.uk |
Olchfa School (cy|Ysgol Gyfun yr Olchfa) is the largest secondary school in Swansea, South Wales, with approximately 1,700 pupils, including 357 in the Sixth Form.[1] Situated in Sketty Park to the west of Sketty, it provides secondary education for GCSE and A-Level qualifications. 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 school is currently under the leadership of Julian Kennedy, who became headmaster in 2023. The Welsh Government has selected the school as a Pioneer School to participate in the development of its curriculum.[2]
In its most recent Estyn inspection in 2018, Olchfa School received the highest possible judgement, 'Excellent' in all five inspection areas. In the same year, the school reported a GCSE pass rate of 85% (based on 5 GCSEs, grades A*-C), placing it in the top five schools in Wales, top three in Wales for the percentage of A*-A grades[3] and 74th in the UK taking A-levels (A*-B) and GCSE's (A*-C) into account.[4] In 2023, Olchfa School was accoladed as the second-best secondary school in Wales by the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, and in 2024. [5] [6]
The school consists of different sections - the main building, a south block, P.E. department as well as a maths and science block. The school also consists of smaller demountable classrooms throughout the plot that teach a variety of subjects, an on-site swimming pool and numerous Tennis, Rugby, Football, Netball and Cricket pitches. A £1.6m investment is underway for a full-size, all-weather 3G pitch.[7] There is also an on-site specialist facility supporting the needs of hearing impaired pupils.
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