History

Ysgol Bryn Alyn opened in September 1958 as a Secondary Modern School, and was known as Gwersyllt
County Secondary School. The school catered for pupils from Gwersyllt, Summerhill, Cefyn-Y- Bedd, Rhosrobin and Bradley. It was built on farmland belonging to the Woodward family of Poplar Farm, Higher Gwersyllt.

In September 1972, Bryn Alyn became a comprehensive school under the reorganization of Secondary Education in the Wrexham area. At this time, the school buildings were extended extensively and the catchment area was increased, absorbing children from Brymbo, Tanyfron and Pentre Broughton.

In 1979 further extensions to the school were opened, including a new library and administrative areas. In 1986 a new swimming pool was completed and named the Gwyn Evans Pool after a former Deputy Headteacher of Bryn Alyn. In 1995 the school sports centre (which is adjoined to the pool) was developed as a dual use service for Leisure and Education.

Present Day

Ysgol Bryn Alyn is an English-medium, 11 to16 years, community comprehensive school, situated in the village of Gwersyllt. The school serves several village communities to the north west of Wrexham. An increasing number of pupils opt to travel to the school from other areas. Excellent links have been established to support pupils’ transition from primary to secondary school.

Pupils are drawn from the full range of socio-economic backgrounds and a full range of ability is represented in the school population. The school has resourced provision for pupils who have moderate learning difficulties.

Although the school is proud of its Welsh heritage, English is the predominant language spoken at home and there are very few pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The school has received a number of prestigious national awards in recent years, including the All Wales Quality Award for Careers Education and Guidance, Basic Skills Quality Mark, Health Promoting Schools’ Award and Investors in People Status.

Furthermore, the quality of the school’s work has been recognised by the Welsh Secondary Schools’ Association on several occasions, notably for the strength of the transition arrangements between primary and secondary school, and the school has received the Diana, Princess of Wales, Gold Award in recognition of its work in developing a range of peer education and anti–bullying initiatives.

The future

The school’s motto ‘Nothing Without Effort’ (‘Dim Heb Ymdrech’) reflects the values which are present within the school community.

The school places great emphasis upon supporting each individual pupil to fulfill his/her academic potential. Within the school community it aims to promote high aspirations, encourage all pupils to exercise self discipline and to make positive use of their leisure time, through the provision of a range of enrichment activities.

The school is committed to the maintenance of strong partnerships, involving pupils, their parents, teaching and non – teaching staff and the wider community. Staff seek to know each pupil as an individual, celebrating his/her achievements and promoting a strong sense of self worth, underpinned by traditional values. The school encourages all to strive for excellence across the wide spectrum of school life.

Ysgol Bryn Alyn has established challenging targets for all aspects of the school’s work and is committed to the continuing professional development of all staff. The school seeks to provide a rich and meaningful curriculum, complemented by learning and teaching experiences of a high quality.