Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf is the largest Welsh medium secondary school in Wales and has played a central role in the growth of Welsh language education in Cardiff. Opened in 1978, the school was the first Welsh medium comprehensive in the city and helped establish a clear pathway for families choosing Welsh language education at secondary level. Its location in Llandaff North places it within reach of a wide catchment across Cardiff.
The school grew quickly during its early years as increasing numbers of families selected Welsh medium education. This growth led to a temporary split site arrangement during the 1980s, with younger pupils based at the former Waterhall School buildings in Fairwater, before the establishment of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr in 1998 allowed Glantaf to return to a single campus. Over time the school has expanded and modernised its facilities to accommodate a large and active pupil community.
Glantaf delivers the full Welsh medium curriculum to pupils aged twelve to eighteen. All teaching, apart from English language and literature, takes place through Welsh. Sixth form pupils also follow the Welsh Baccalaureate, and the school has maintained consistently strong results at GCSE and A level. Estyn inspections have noted the school’s academic performance, language standards and the contribution it makes to Welsh educational provision in the capital.
The school sets particular emphasis on its cultural and linguistic identity. The motto, Coron Gwlad Ei Mamiaith, reflects a commitment to the Welsh language as the foundation of community life and learning. Pupils are organised into four houses named Dewi, Dyfrig, Illtud and Teilo, which support participation in pastoral, academic and sporting activities. School colours of light and dark blue appear across uniform and representation.
Glantaf has a strong presence in Welsh cultural life. Many pupils take part in the Urdd Eisteddfod and other national events, and the school maintains links with arts organisations across Wales. Music, drama and media production are prominent within the school’s co curricular programme, contributing to significant numbers of former pupils progressing into the creative industries.
Sport is also a major part of school life. Glantaf teams compete across Cardiff and the wider region, with rugby being especially prominent. The school has produced several high level athletes, including senior Welsh internationals in both the men’s and women’s game, and players who have represented leading regional sides.
Former pupils from Glantaf have gone on to careers in broadcasting, music, acting, politics and elite sport, reflecting the school’s wide curriculum and strong cultural identity. The school’s position as the leading Welsh medium secondary in Cardiff has given it a visible role in supporting the wider growth of Welsh language education.
Today Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf continues to serve a large and diverse pupil body, providing a Welsh medium education that combines language, culture, academic ambition and community identity. It remains a flagship institution within Wales’ Welsh medium sector and an important part of Cardiff’s educational landscape.