Olchfa School


Olchfa School is the largest secondary school in Swansea, South Wales, with approximately 1,900 pupils, including a sixth form of over 400 students. Situated in Sketty Park to the west of Sketty, it provides secondary education for GCSE and A-Level qualifications. In 2024, it was named one of the top 100 state secondary schools in the UK. Olchfa means 'washing place' in the English language.
Around 4.5% 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 21.1% and 11.2% respectively. Nearly a quarter of pupils come from an ethnic minority background, 3.8% speak English as an additional language and 0.8% speak Welsh at home.
The headteacher is Julian Kennedy, who has been in post since 2023. The Welsh Government has selected the school as a Pioneer School to participate in the development of its curriculum.

Academic performance

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%, 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 and GCSE 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.
In its September 2025 inspection, Estyn reported that Olchfa School provided a nurturing and inclusive environment with pupils making secure progress, but recommended the school share good teaching practices and strengthen how leaders monitor teaching and pupil progress.

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
Arts and Entertainment
Law, Academia and Public Service
List of Headteachers
  • John Curtis Grove; 1969 - tbd
  • John Booth; tbd- 1994
  • Trevor Church; 1995 - 2001
  • Hugh Davies; 2001 - 2023
  • Julian Kennedy; 2023 - present