About Us

The school was formed in 1949 with the amalgamation of Holyhead Grammar and St Cybi Secondary school and became the first comprehensive in the UK.

 

There was a number of reasons for the school to be the first "comp". The headmaster Mr Hughes was retiring and he was to be replaced by an enthusiast for Comprehensive education, Trefor Lovett. The new head became known as "the first apostle of the comprehensive movement." The transition was also assisted by the close proximity of St Cybi Secondary school and Holyhead Grammar; the schools that would be replaced. Obviously, the backing of Anglesey Education Committee was essential.

 

The changes that Lovett brought about were not unexpected as he had previously taught locally at Vaynor and Penderyn schools. The new school was certain that a child's future should not be determined at age eleven with the eleven plus exam. Previously children in Wales had all sat an exam at the end of their junior school education and this decided whether they would attend the grammar school or a secondary modern school. Lovett was convinced that this was unfair and that there should be a firm catchment area so that all the students irrespective of their background or abilities would attend the one school

 

In 2020 there are approximately 870 pupils in the school which included about 140 in the sixth form. At present virtually all pupils in the Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi catchment area choose the school for their secondary education. The school's pupil numbers continue to rise and standards of attainment have improved significantly over the last 10 years.

 

People educated at the school have been:

• Glennys Kinnock (Politician)

• Dr Crane (Arsenal/England Doctor)

• Albert Owen (Politician)

• Tracey Morris (Athlete)

• Tony Roberts (Professional Footballer)

• Dawn French (Comedian)

• Tony Roberts (Professional footballer, National Goalkeeper Coach)

• Ray Williams (Commonwealth Medalist/National Weightlifting Coach)

• Gareth Evans (commonwealth medalist)