What Are the Best Secondary Schools in North Wales?

If you and your family are looking to live in North Wales, then it’s a good idea to consider the nearby schools before you move and of course, this becomes all the more important once your children begin to take important exams in secondary school.

However, in Wales the key difference is the Estyn ratings system.

Because they have phased out ‘one word’ summaries of school performance, it can sometimes be harder to compare one school against another.

But don’t worry, we’ve sifted through these (more detailed) school reports to create a list of some of the best secondary schools in North Wales. So, take a look at the list below, and consider which one suits your family best. (in no particular order!)

1 Ysgol Brynrefail

Address: Llanrug, Caernarfon LL55 4AE. / Tel: 01286 672381 / Ages: 11-18

Based in historic Caernarfon, Ysgol Brynrefail fosters a nurturing, inclusive environment deeply rooted in the surrounding Welsh culture. The school embraces the motto ‘gyda’n gilydd am y copa’ (“together to the summit”), with its vision of collective effort shared amongst staff, governors, and pupils. This is seen across the school, with a great network of support for both staff and students.

The latest Estyn report praises the fact that pupils demonstrate excellent behaviour and positive attitudes towards their studies, with sixth-form students assuming meaningful leadership roles within the school. This is noted by the Principal (Arwyn Williams): “We are proud of the way our pupils develop into confident, bilingual, skilled individuals who are very comfortable in the company of classmates, staff and visitors to the school.”

The latest Estyn report summarises the school like this:

• Standards: Good
• Wellbeing and attitudes to learning: Excellent
• Teaching and learning experiences: Good
• Care, support and guidance: Excellent
• Leadership and management: Excellent

You can explore the school’s performance in detail here.

2 Ysgol Tryfan

Address: Bangor, LL57 2TU / Tel: 01248 352633 / Ages 11-18

Ysgol Tryfan is also celebrated for its warm, inclusive atmosphere and strong sense of Welsh community. Its standout feature is pupils’ exemplary behaviour based upon their pride in the school’s small, but nurturing, environment. The head teacher summarises it like this: “We are proud of the school’s consistently high academic standards and at the same time, as a small school, we ensure that the best possible care is given, allowing every individual to flourish and feel safe.”

As such, pupil engagement in school life and their meaningful contributions are especially praised by the most recent Estyn report.

Despite having older facilities, the school provides great support and teaching alongside a range of enriching experiences for students.

The latest Estyn report summarises the school like this:

• Standards: Good
• Wellbeing and attitudes to learning: Excellent
• Teaching and learning experiences: Good
• Care, support and guidance: Good
• Leadership and management Good

You can explore the school’s performance in detail here.

3 Ysgol Friars

Address: Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2LN / Tel: 01248 364905 / Ages: 11-18

Ysgol Friars is dedicated to the success and achievement of its pupils, emphasising the acquisition of valuable qualifications and life experiences. This commitment is often reflected in significant academic progress and a clear sense of ambition among students – a fact clearly noted in the latest Estyn report.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this ethos has led to significant progress academically – with the school attaining significantly better results than local schools and others across Wales. Their latest results show 74.2% of pupils achieving A*-C grades at GCSE, and 29% getting the top A*-A grades.

The latest Estyn report summarises the school like this:

• Standards: Good
• Wellbeing and attitudes to learning Good
• Teaching and learning experiences: Good
• Care, support and guidance: Good
• Leadership and management: Good

You can explore the school’s performance in detail here.

What about secondary schools in Anglesey?

If you’re looking for a great secondary school in North Wales, but are planning to move to the island of Anglesey, then these schools are excellent secondary options to explore in the local area.

1 Ysgol David Hughes

Address: Pentraeth Rd, Menai Bridge LL59 5SS / Tel: 01248 712287 / Ages: 11-18

Situated right on the edge of Anglesey at Menai Bridge, Ysgol David Hughes is the largest secondary school in Anglesey with nearly 1200 pupils. It takes great pride in Welsh language and culture, and has recently received a Gold UNICEF award for its work promoting children’s rights. This care for the individual extends to its array of extra-curricular activities, investment in sports and technology facilities – and a very positive set of recent exam results in 2023.

2 Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni

Address: Llangefni, LL77 7NG / Phone: 01248 723441 / Ages: 11-18

Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni is a large bilingual secondary school (700+ pupils) situated in the rural town of Llangefni, right at the heart of Anglesey. Due to its size, it provides an excellent range of subjects, with 21 GCSE areas to choose from, and 10 other vocational courses in partnership with Coleg Menai. This breadth of learning extends to its sixth form, where specialist help is given to enable students access Russell Group universities. This commitment to excellence clearly pays off, with the school performing above both the local and Welsh average.

3 Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi

Address: Holyhead, Anglesey LL65 1NP / Tel: 01407 762219 / Ages: 11-18

Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi is a large, English-medium comprehensive secondary situated in the bustling town of Holyhead. In fact, it was one of the very first comprehensive schools in the UK. This is well reflected in its wide range of subjects to choose from, especially as students enter sixth form – they can study courses as diverse as Applied Medical Science and Creative Games Design. Judging by the latest set of exam results, over 70% of pupils are on track to achieve A*-C grades, reflecting the schools positive and inclusive approach to learning.

4 Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern

Address: London Rd, Bodedern, LL65 3SU / Tel: 01407 741000 / Ages: 11-18

Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern is a secondary school near the west coast of Anglesey, and is a key part of the Bodedern village. It’s known for its tight knit community, and friendly, supportive atmosphere. Students here study almost equally in English and Welsh at GCSE level, and in the words of the head teacher, they “take great pride in the privilege of developing the children and young adults of Anglesey as bilingual citizens”. The school offers a good range of academic options and works closely with the Bodedern community and surrounding villages.

And Finally

If you’re thinking of a move in and around or to North Wales – whether in Llanberis, Rhosneigr or beyond – we can help you to find the perfect place to live and help you understand the local area too. Get in touch with us today for where to buy a home in North Wales.