To download PDF’s of the February version of the Consultation for the Proposed amalgamation of St Helen’s Infant and Junior Schools, plus FAQ’s please click the buttons below:

The school is situated in the centre of Barry and was built in 1892 to provide Catholic education for pupils’ age 3-7yrs living in Barry and the rural Vale as far as Llantwit Major and Cowbridge. There are only two infant schools left in the Vale of Glamorgan, all the others are primary schools. When the children leave us at the end of Yr 2 they join St. Helen’s Junior School in Tynewydd Road, Barry. At the end of Yr6 they transfer to St. Richard Gwyn High School and then move on to St. David’s Sixth Form College in Cardiff if they wish to do so.

There are 169 pupils in the school all together. All pupils stay in school at lunchtime and school transport is provided for pupils living more than 3 miles from the school.

There are five Infant classes – two reception (4-5yrs) and three Yr1 and Yr2 (5-7yrs) classes, and also a nursery for 3-4yr olds, which pupils attend either mornings or afternoon.

Head Teacher:  Mrs Kathy Giernalczyk (Acting Head)

St. Helen’s School was originally sited next to the Church in Maes-y-Cwm Street close the centre of Barry in 1893. In 1974, the decision was taken to move the Junior school to a new purpose built building on the site of the allotments on Ty-Newydd Road, leaving the Infant school in the remaining buildings,  part of which were demolished.

A portion of the old school site was taken to build the parish Hall in 2006.

The Junior School was planned as a ‘semi-open plan’ school with teaching areas grouped around a central ‘shared’ area – this design reflected educational thinking at the time.
A portion of the old school site was taken to build the parish Hall in 2006. The Junior School was planned as a ‘semi-open plan’ school with teaching areas grouped around a central ‘shared’ area – this design reflected educational thinking at the time.

With the advent of the National Curriculum in the late 1980’s, certain modifications had to be made to make the building more fit for purpose including the installation of partitions in all areas to provide some enclosed classrooms.

In response to the enhanced Information and Communications Technologies (I.C.T.) area of study required by the curriculum revision in 2000, the school installed a dedicated I.C.T. suite. Provision has been extended with the installation of interactive white boards in all classrooms and the Hall, and the purchase of ‘mini computers’ that enable classes to access the internet via a wireless network without having to use the I.C.T. suite.

Head Teacher: Mrs Michelle Clawson (Acting Head)

At St Richard Gwyn, we aim to offer the best possible education through a broad and stimulating curriculum, a wealth of activities beyond the classroom and outstanding pastoral care. Students make excellent progress and achieve strong exam results, due to our high expectations. We have a relentless focus on academic success and we understand the important part that it plays in developing an aspirational future for our students.   We are continually looking to raise standards by improving learning experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.   We are always looking to develop our practice to ensure our students make excellent progress. Our committed and hard-working staff are keen to keep up-to-date with the latest research in teaching and learning, often leading developments in their respective areas.   This allows us to give our students broad and enriching experiences that build on the skills that they need to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives.

We place great value on our partnership with families and visitors always comment on the positive, friendly atmosphere within the school. We believe it is important to work together to ensure our students receive the best possible education so they are prepared for their future lives. Our approach is based on mutual respect, wanting our students to have fun, be successful and to look back on their school days with pride and with fond memories.

Head Teacher: Steven Grech

St David’s College based in Cardiff is a Catholic college for students from Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.  The college specialises in providing high quality education, exclusively for 16-19 year olds, for students of all backgrounds and abilities.  Although a Catholic College, St David’s welcomes students from all faiths, it is a friendly and inclusive sixth form college with a reputation for excellent results, teaching support and guidance.

In 2015, 30% of students achieved A* – A at A level.  The college offers over 35 A level courses and a range of vocational BTEC programmes.  The College prepares young people with life skills and provides an ideal bridge between school and higher education, the college encourages its  students to think independently and make the most of their abilities.

Principle: Mark Leighfield