| Established | 1939 |
|---|---|
| Type | Primary |
| Headteacher | Mr R Clive Williams |
| Specialism | Welsh-language |
| Location | Plascrug Avenue Aberystwyth Wales |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Ages | 5–11 |
| Website | ysgolgymraeg.ceredigion.sch.uk |
Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth is a Welsh language primary school in the university town of Aberystwyth in Ceredigion, Wales. It was established as a private school in 1939 by Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards and was originally named Ysgol Gymraeg yr Urdd. The school was the first Welsh school in Wales.[1]
The school originally had seven pupils, but has grown significantly since then and now educates around 400 children. The school expanded rapidly during the 1980s and 1990s as parents began to see the academic value in bilingual education.[1] Although 95% of the students speak Welsh to a first language level, only 65% come from homes where Welsh is the main language spoken.[2] Today, the school has 18 teachers, over 20 assistants and 15 auxiliary staff.[1] The school is sponsored by Oriel y Bont (Bridge Gallery) and HSBC.[3] A 2003 school report by Estyn found it to be a good school, which has successfully established "a happy and organised community that promotes high values and standards."[2]
The prominent Welsh children's author Mary Vaughan Jones was a teacher at the school between 1953 and 1958. Another much loved teacher there was Margaret Thomas, who worked as head of the Music department for many years. Aled Haydn Jones a BBC radio producer on the The Chris Moyles Show was a pupil.