Celebrating 65 Years of Ysgol Aberconwy

65 years of learning, achievement and inspiring futures

This year, we are incredibly proud to celebrate a very special milestone in the history of Ysgol Aberconwy — 65 years since our school opened at Morfa Drive in 1961.

For six and a half decades, our school has been at the heart of the local community, providing generations of young people with opportunities to learn, grow, discover their talents and build their futures. While our school has changed considerably, our commitment to inspiring, supporting and challenging every learner remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our 65-year history is, above all, a history of people. Thousands of students have passed through our doors, supported by dedicated staff and a community that has helped shape the school we are today.

Celebrating former students

We are proud of the many former students who have gone on to achieve remarkable things across television, diplomacy, music, sport and beyond. One of our best-known former students is Paula Yates, the television presenter and writer who became a familiar face on British television through programmes including The Tube and The Big Breakfast.

Former Ysgol Aberconwy student and Capital Cymru presenter Alistair James, has built a successful career in radio alongside his work as a singer, songwriter and musician. In 2023, his song Patagonia won the public vote at S4C’s Cân i Gymru. We are delighted that Alistair has maintained his connection with our school, returning to work with students and share his experiences.

Another distinguished former student is James Roscoe. After attending Ysgol Aberconwy Sixth Form, James went on to a successful career in diplomacy and public service, holding senior roles with the United Nations, the UK Government and the Royal Household, as well as serving as Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Washington.

Our alumni have also achieved significant success in sport. Libby Rubin, former Head Student, made her mark in powerlifting by breaking three British records and went on to compete internationally and represent Wales. Tom Imlah, achieved success in bodybuilding, winning the under-21 British final before competing in the prestigious Mr. Universe competition.

These are just some of the remarkable former students who form part of the Ysgol Aberconwy story.

Continuing a tradition of achievement

While we celebrate the achievements of our former students, our history belongs to every student who has walked through our doors. Over 65 years, our former students have become teachers, doctors, engineers, artists, musicians, athletes, business leaders, entrepreneurs and community champions, making a difference both locally and around the world.

That tradition of achievement continues today. Throughout 2026, our students have celebrated outstanding success across academic, sporting and creative areas. Our mathematicians achieved a record three Gold Awards in the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge, and Ben and Henry secured places on the prestigious Parallel Academy Tutorial Programme.

Our sporting achievements have been equally impressive, with students representing Country and County and achieving success in athletics, football, rugby, cricket, bowls and golf, while our Year 7 boys’ football team reached the National Cup Football Finals. Alongside these achievements, our students continue to excel in music, drama, art, leadership and community projects, as well as taking advantage of opportunities to explore university, careers and the wider world.

These achievements demonstrate that the spirit of ambition and opportunity, that has characterised Ysgol Aberconwy throughout its 65-year history, continues to thrive.

Looking to the future

As we celebrate our 65th anniversary, we can reflect with pride on the thousands of students, staff, families and community members who have helped shape our school. Mr Gerrard, Headteacher, said:

An anniversary is naturally a time to look back, but it is also an opportunity to look forward. The students who are sitting in our classrooms today are the future doctors, scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, performers, athletes, teachers, leaders and community champions of tomorrow.

We cannot yet know where their journeys will take them, but we do know that they are now part of the continuing story of Ysgol Aberconwy.

As we celebrate 65 years of our school, we would like to thank every student and member of staff, past and present, all parents and carers and members of our wider community who have played a part in our journey. Our past has given us much to celebrate, our present gives us much to be proud of, and our future is full of possibility.

65 years! Thousands of students! Countless memories! A remarkable community!

Here’s to the next chapter of the Ysgol Aberconwy story.
Happy 65th anniversary, Ysgol Aberconwy!