List of 676 Best Schools in Wales (2026 Fees)

One of the countries that make up the United Kingdom, Wales is known for its scenic views and breathtaking landscapes. Wales enjoys a rich cultural heritage. Schools in Wales are internationally known to have successfully produced professionals and researchers who have made significant contributions to the world.

Facts about Schools in Wales
Education System in Wales

Facts about Schools in Wales

Schools in Wales generally follow the same structure of education used in England.
The Welsh Government is the leading authority when it comes to the education system in the country.
There are more than 1,300 primary schools in Wales.
Most state schools in Wales use the National Curriculum. However, in 2011, the curriculum for Key Stage 1 (for ages 3 to 7) was replaced with the Foundation Phase, which is anchored on the importance of experiential learning instead of theoretical learning. Essentially, the change requires children to take part in practical activities rather than relying on textbooks.
The curriculum followed by schools in Wales are divided into 3 cross-curriculum responsibilities, which are literacy, numeracy, and digital competence.
Currently, the national curriculum followed by schools in Wales is continuously being upgraded. Besides the inclusion of the Foundation Phase, the curriculum will also introduce “progression steps” as replacement for key stages 2, 3, and 4. The “progression steps” focus on a broad and encompassing curriculum, which will reduce regular assessments and will highlight the students’ unique learning rates.
Schools in Wales have a mandate to teach Welsh as part of the curriculum. Thus, the majority of schools, from primary to secondary, use Welsh as their medium of instruction.
Schools in Wales also provide knowledge and training in the English language. The majority of state schools in the country are bilingual schools, which use a mix of Welsh and English for teaching.
English-based schools in Wales use English as the main language of instruction. However, they are required to incorporate the Welsh language in some lessons.
A number of international schools in Wales follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) curriculum.
The school year in Wales runs from September until the third week of July of the following year.

Education System in Wales

The education system in Wales is separate from the system used in other countries in the United Kingdom. Although schools in Wales follow the National Curriculum, they have the Foundation Phase, which is a replacement of Key Stage 1. Children in Wales are then required to attend school from the time they turn 5 years old until they are 16. However, at age 5, children are allowed to either go to a regular school or attend homeschooling sessions. Primary school lasts for 6 years (Year 1 to Year 6), and secondary school lasts for 5 to 7 years (Year 7 to Year 11 or Year 13). At the end of the compulsory secondary education or at the end of Year 11, students take the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations. At the end of Year 12, they take AS Levels, and at the end of Year 13, students take the A Levels. However, taking the A and AS Levels is not mandatory for students in Wales. What is required for students to take at the end of the compulsory education is the GCSE examination. After which, some students leave school and seek employment, while some students qualify to pursue a university degree.

Below is a comprehensive list of all schools in Wales (Aberaeron, Aberavon, Aberbargoed, Abercarn, Aberdare, Abergavenny, Abergele, Abertillery, Aberystwyth, Afonwen, Amlwch, Ammanford, Bagillt, Bala, Bangor, Bargoed, Barmouth, Barry, Beaumaris, Bethesda, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Blaenavon, Blackwood, Blaina, Brecon, Bridgend, Briton Ferry, Brynmawr, Buckley, Builth Wells, Burry Port, Caerleon, Caernarfon, Caerphilly, Caerwys, Caldicot, Cardiff, Cardigan, Carmarthen, Chepstow, Chirk, Colwyn Bay, Connah's Quay, Conwy, Corwen, Cowbridge, Criccieth, Crickhowell, Crumlin, Cwmamman, Cwmbran, Cilgerran, Crymych, Denbigh, Dolgellau, Ebbw Vale, Ewloe, Ferndale, Fishguard, Flint, Gelligaer, Glynneath, Goodwick, Gorseinon, Gresford, Gowerton, Harlech, Haverfordwest, Hay-on-Wye, Holt, Holyhead, Holywell, Kidwelly, Knighton, Lampeter, Laugharne, Llanberis, Llandeilo, Llandovery, Llandrindod Wells, Llandudno, Llandudno Junction, Llandysul, Llanelli, Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfairfechan, Llanfyllin, Llangefni, Llangollen, Llanidloes, Llanrwst, Llantrisant, Llantwit Major, Llanwrtyd Wells, Llanybydder, Loughor, Machynlleth, Maesteg, Menai Bridge, Merthyr Tydfil, Milford Haven, Mold, Monmouth, Montgomery, Mountain Ash, Narberth, Neath, Nefyn, Newbridge, Newcastle Emlyn, Newport, Newport (Pembrokeshire), New Quay, Newtown, Neyland, Old Colwyn, Overton-on-Dee, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Penarth, Pencoed, Penmaenmawr, Penrhyn Bay, Pontardawe, Pontarddulais, Pontyclun, Pontypool, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Porth, Porthcawl, Porthmadog, Prestatyn, Presteigne, Pwllheli, Queensferry, Rhayader, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, Rhymney, Risca, Ruthin, St Asaph, St Clears, St David's, Senghenydd, Saltney, Shotton, Swansea, Talgarth, Tenby, Tonypandy, Tredegar, Tregaron, Treharris, Tywyn, Usk, Welshpool, Whitland, Wrexham, Ystradgynlais, Ystrad Mynach). Edarabia strives to offer the latest updates, helping you find the best schools in Wales with information on tuition fees, accreditation details, videos, photos, location map, community reviews and ratings.

Edarabia showcases all private schools in Wales through which parents can filter by tuition fees, curriculum, rankings & ratings. There are many public, private and charter schools near you that cater to both expat and local students.

Depending on the level of education; kindergartens (pre-schools), primary, secondary and high schools will all have varying tuition fees. Most K-12 schools offer different curriculums and extra-curricular activities to support the intellectual and physical wellbeing of students. Admissions for the top international schools in Wales tend to have waiting lists so it is recommended that parents apply well in advance to secure a spot for their children. Additionally, each school has ratings based on parent reviews and are ranked below accordingly.

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