Ffynone House began life as St Winifrede’s Convent School in the late 19th Century. Pupils were taught by nuns of the Ursuline Order, who remain at Stella Maris Convent close by.
Part of the school suffered bomb damage during the Second World War and a photograph of the bombed science laboratory can be seen at Swansea Museum.
The Convent continued to provide education for boys and girls after the war, and in 1964, a new block was constructed with a purpose built hall, classrooms and laboratories. However, the opening of Bishop Vaughan Catholic School in 1966 enabled a larger number of students to be accommodated, and in 1969 the convent school closed.
Today, reminders of the St Winifred’s can be seen in the stained glass window in the entrance hall, the old school crest in the refectory, and the cross on the front façade.
Ffynone House
Ffynone House School welcomed its first pupils in 1973 when the site was acquired to establish a new independent school, founded by local businessman Mr Marshall David, under the Headship of Mrs Audrey Jackson.
The founding values and ethos – providing individual education within a family environment – remain true today. The dedicated staff has since helped generations of pupils of all abilities develop the confidence and skills to fulfil their ambitions.
If there is such a thing as a typical Ffynone House pupil, it is someone who has the courage and creativity to be who they want to be and to do what they want to do in whatever field, whilst respecting others and valuing their community.
Headteachers
In its forty+ year history, Ffynone House School has seen many changes, led by additional inspirational headteachers: the Reverend Howard Jones, Mr John Rhys Thomas, Mrs Edwina Jones, Mrs Nicola Walker, Mr Michael Boulding and now Mrs Hanan Khaleel.
Configuration
Until the late 1990s, the prep department was for boys only, with girls joining at the start of their secondary education. The prep department became coeducational for several years until its former owners, Cognita Schools Group, decided it should become a wholly secondary establishment, with junior years accommodated at nearby Oakleigh House Primary School.
This configuration has remained, and in 2012, the school was transferred back to the original charitable trust after a consultation with parents and staff. It has continued to operate on this basis and is run wholly for the benefit of its pupils.
Ffynone House School has now become a ‘second generation’ establishment, with the children of its first pupils also enjoying their outstanding education in the heart of the City.