23^rd June 2026 

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Additional Information - Weather Warning for Extreme Heat 

Further to the letter sent earlier today, and following a robust risk assessment which determined that it was not safe to open Ysgol Bryn Castell during the Red Weather warning, please find additional information below:

Remote learning 

Pupils can access a range of online learning activities, specific to their interests and needs on the school website: Ysgol Bryn Castell - Online Learning

Sun safety

We recognise that some learners at YBC may find it difficult to recognise changes in their body temperature and in the environment, but would encourage pupils to wear loose, light-coloured clothing to help keep cool and to wear sunhats with wide brims to avoid sunburn. 

We would also encourage pupils to wear sunscreen and bring it into school for reapplication once we return to school. Further information about sun safety can be found at: NHS 111 Wales - Health A-Z : Sun safety

Water safety

During hot weather, the Met Office recognises that significantly more people visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents: Staying safe in outdoor water in Wales - Public Health Wales

Thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement and feedback. We recognise that any school closure is disruptive, however this decision has been made following a thorough risk assessment and can assure you that we remain committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of the school community. 

Many thanks

Helen Ridout 

Headteacher

 

School Closed: Wednesday 24 June 2026 and Thursday 25 June 2026 

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Important Information - Weather Warning for Extreme Heat 

We hope this letter finds you well. 

As you will be aware, there is currently an Amber Heat Warning in place for parts of Wales, including Bridgend, which is forecast to escalate to a Red Warning on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. A Red Warning indicates that a severe heatwave may have widespread impacts beyond health, including disruption to transport, water and energy supplies, and businesses. It also signifies a potential risk to life, even for otherwise healthy individuals. 

As Headteachers of the Secondary and Special Schools in Bridgend County Borough Council we are responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of hundreds thousands of pupils and hundreds of staff – this is our priority, and it forms the basis of our decision making.  In line with Welsh Government guidance on managing extreme heat in educational settings, and following a comprehensive, site-specific risk assessment, we have carefully reviewed our ability to maintain safe conditions during this period of exceptional heat. 

Our assessment has highlighted a number of significant challenges: 

• The standard and design of parts of the school building and classrooms make it extremely difficult to regulate internal temperatures and maintain a safe learning environment during prolonged periods of extreme heat. 

• Our outdoor areas offer limited sheltered or shaded spaces, restricting the ability to safely utilise these areas during the school day. 

• Ongoing refurbishment work has resulted in the closure of several rooms, significantly reducing the number of available teaching spaces. This makes it increasingly difficult to ensure that the remaining classrooms are both comfortable and safe in such conditions. 

Taking all of these factors into account, we cannot be confident that we can consistently provide a safe environment for pupils and staff during the peak of this heatwave. 

Therefore, the following arrangements will be in place: 

Wednesday 24 June 2026 and Thursday 25 June 2026 

All secondary and special schools (including the PRU) in Bridgend County Borough Council will be closed to all pupils. 

Pupils should remain at home and work will be set for learners to complete independently, and this will be communicated directly by the school through our usual channels. 

We appreciate that this decision may cause inconvenience; however, the severity and unprecedented nature of this weather warning mean that we must take proactive steps to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our school community. 

We strongly encourage all families to follow public health advice during this period and to take appropriate steps to stay cool and hydrated and we look forward to welcoming pupils back to school on Friday 26 June 2026. 

Thank you for your continued understanding and support.  

Headteachers of Bridgend Secondary & Special Schools

 

 

 

School closed - 6th January 2026

Unfortunately, the problem with the heating system is ongoing and Ysgol Bryn Castell will be closed to all pupils tomorrow (Tuesday January 6th 2026).

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience during this unexpected disruption.

Updates regarding Wednesday will be communicated as soon as possible. 🏫❄️ 

 

 

School closed - 5th January 2026

Due to a problem with the heating system, Ysgol Bryn Castell will be closed to all pupils today (Monday January 5th 2026).

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience during this unexpected disruption.

Updates regarding tomorrow will be communicated as soon as possible. 🏫❄️ 

Cafodd y Cronfeydd Ymddiriedolaeth Plant eu cyflwyno gan Lywodraeth y DU yn 2005. Agorwyd cyfrifon ar gyfer bron 6 miliwn o blant a anwyd yn y DU rhwng 1 Medi 2002 a 2 Ionawr 2011. Roedd Llywodraeth Cymru wedi rhoi swm atodol i rai o'r cronfeydd hyn. Ac mae bron hanner nifer y Cronfeydd Ymddiriedolaeth Plant yng Nghymru heb eu hawlio o hyd.   Mae Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gyfiawnder Cymdeithasol, y Trefnydd a'r Prif Chwip ac Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gyllid a'r Gymraeg yn awyddus inni wneud popeth o fewn ein gallu i hyrwyddo gwybodaeth am y Cronfeydd Ymddiriedolaeth Plant i bobl ifanc yng Nghymru, er mwyn iddynt allu cael yr arian sy'n ddyledus iddynt.   Nid yw bron hanner nifer y bobl ifanc sydd bellach yn gymwys (18 +) i gael eu cynilion wedi gwneud hynny eto, ac nid yw llawer yn ymwybodol bod ganddynt gyfrif Cronfa Ymddiriedolaeth Plant.   Gall unrhyw un sy’n gweithio gyda phobl ifanc rhwng 14 a 22 oed eu helpu i ddod o hyd i’r sefydliad ariannol sy’n dal eu cyfrif a chael rhagor o wybodaeth yma: https://www.llyw.cymru/dod-o-hyd-ich-cronfa-ymddiriedolaeth-plant   Mae deunyddiau ategol ar gael i chi eu defnyddio yn eich cyfathrebiadau ar gael yma templedi cyfathrebu Neu drwy’r ddolen uchod.   Os bydd angen unrhyw beth arall arnoch, anfonwch e-bost atom drwy  TrechuTlodiAChefnogiTeuluoedd@llyw.cymru

Child Trust Funds were introduced by the UK Government in 2005. Accounts were opened for almost 6 million children born in the UK between 1st September 2002 and 2nd January 2011. Welsh Government provided a level of top up to some of these funds. Nearly half of Child Trust Funds in Wales remain unclaimed.     The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language are keen that we do all we can to promote information about Child Trust Funds to young people in Wales, so that they can access the money owed to them.     Nearly half of young people who are now eligible (18 +) to access their savings haven’t done so, many are not aware they have a Child Trust Fund account.   Anyone working with 14 to 22 -year-olds can help them check which financial organisation holds their account and find out more at: https://www.gov.wales/find-your-child-trust-fund     Supporting materials for you to use in your communications can be found here communication templates  as well as in above link.   If you required anything further, please email us at  TacklingPovertyAndSupportingFamilies@gov.wales

 

Food support is available…

The effects of the cost-of-living crisis are still with us, with food insecurity continuing to impact families across Wales and the rest of the UK.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from food support, there is a range of services available across the county borough to help.

To find out more, please click on the link…

🔗https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-support/cost-of-living-support/

🦆 New Life on the Farm: Dwnrhefn Learners Welcome Barbara Duck! 🌱

This year, Key Stage 4 learners in the Dwnrhefn department have had a truly hands-on experience during their Animal Care lessons—one that’s been both educational and heartwarming. As part of their curriculum, learners learned the full cycle of avian care: from incubating and monitoring eggs to nurturing and handling ducklings once hatched.

A special highlight of this year’s project was the legacy of last year’s duck, affectionately named No-Baht—our very first drake. No-Baht played a starring role in this year’s success, having fertilised the eggs that were carefully incubated by the students.

Among the new arrivals was a particularly charming duckling, quickly named Barbara Duck by the learners. Barbara has since grown strong and healthy, and she’s now happily settled on the farm alongside her proud parents and fluffy siblings.

This experience not only deepened learners’ understanding of animal husbandry but also fostered a sense of responsibility, compassion, and connection to the natural world. A huge congratulations to all involved—Barbara Duck is a feathered testament to your care and dedication! 🐣💚

 

YBC Football Kit

In the photo below you can see our YBC football team proudly wearing their new kit kindly sponsored by CGI. In September 2023 we held a competition at YBC in memory of the sad passing of staff member Huw Wright where pupils had the opportunity to design the new football kit that we would then look to create for the team. The winning design for the kit was created by pupil Jayden Locke who is extremely proud to have been able to play his role in the kit creation. Jayden said of his design “I tried to keep the design quite simple and use the colours of YBC to make sure the kit represents the school”. He also added that “I am very proud that my design was chosen”. Finally, all at YBC would like to extend their thanks to CGI for their support in sponsoring this kit. 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a very exciting visit from Dinomania on 20/09/24. We couldn't believe it when a dinosaur egg hatched right before our eyes!