Our school was officially opened on 11th May 1962 as Bedwas Secondary School, although pupils had already started at the school in September 1961. Until then, they had shared facilities with the Junior and Infant School at Tyn-y-Wern.
When the school opened, it consisted of two blocks (A and B), the Hall, a small dining room, and a kitchen. There was eighteen teaching staff, including the Headteacher, Mr. G. Sutton. At that time, the school was in the County of Monmouthshire.
Bedwas High is an 11-18 school, serving the community of Bedwas Trethomas and Machen, where every student is valued and treated as an individual. We set high standards and expectations and we encourage and support our students to achieve their very best. The school is situated on pleasant and spacious grounds and students benefit from a varied curriculum with access to all amenities. Above all, we are a happy friendly school where students and staff care about each other and offer a safe and supportive working environment that enables all to flourish. Our members of staff are committed to supporting our students’ needs both in and out of the classroom. Extra-Curricular activities and school trips are extensive and offer all students every chance of worthwhile educational experiences.
We have been challenged by the Welsh Assembly Government, Caerphilly County Council, and EAS, like many schools, to make further academic progress. We know that we have risen to this challenge.
As one of 40 schools in ‘Challenge Cymru’ we are tasked with improving at a faster rate than other schools in Wales. We have been fortunate to receive additional funding. This has enabled us to work in partnership with other schools around Wales, to share best practices. As a result, our teachers have improved many of their practices and afforded our students new opportunities.
The school badge consists of a swan, a river, and a birch leaf. These symbols relate to the history of the area. The swan and river are a reference to the River Rhymney, which at one time was named the 'Swan river'. The symbol of the birch leaves relates to the Welsh form of Bedwas (Bedw), which translates as "place of the birch trees". For several years, the school motto was “Caring for Others”. As a result of consultation with all parties involved in the school, it was changed to “Caring and Achieving” in 1998.
