School History

The History of Oystermouth Primary School

Located in the heart of our community, our school boasts a distinguished heritage that has evolved alongside the educational landscape over the past 146 years. From its origins to its current status as a beacon of learning, Oystermouth Primary School has grown and adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of its pupils.

Oystermouth Primary School traces its beginnings back to 1878 when it was established as a Board School in the current Mumbles Beaches building. It became the responsibility of the local council in 1903, it has undergone numerous transformations and name changes that mirror its rich history. The foundation of the Mumbles Beaches building marks the start of our journey, which saw significant expansions, including the addition of classrooms (the Gower Beaches building) in 1947 in response to The 1944 Education Act.

Photo credit: Swansea History Society

The Gower Beaches building has a storied past, having once served as Oystermouth Secondary School and later as Oystermouth Secondary Modern School. Initially, primary aged pupils were educated at The Church School before it became Mumbles Junior Mixed School in Dunns Lane. The Dunns Lane school eventually closed in the early 1980s, leading to the creation of Oystermouth Primary School as we know it today, amalgamating both the infant and junior departments under one roof. The older pupils continued their education at Bishop Gore Comprehensive School, marking a significant transition in our educational provision.

Photo credit: Swansea History Society

The leadership of the school has played a pivotal role in its development. In the 1980s, under the headship of Mr Alan Williams, the school experienced further growth and enhancements. This was followed by the tenure of Mr Eifion Wynne in the 1990s, who dedicated over two decades to the school’s advancement. In 2019, Mrs Morgan took the helm as Headteacher, continuing our tradition of excellence and ushering in a new era of leadership.

As Oystermouth Primary School continues to flourish, we remain committed to providing a nurturing and dynamic learning environment, ensuring that each child achieves their full potential in a setting rich with history and forward-looking in its approach.

With thanks to Colin Muxworthy for his knowledge and expertise on the history of our school, you can see lots more local history at Story of Mumbles website.