Ceredigion schools shine in one of Europe’s largest heritage competitions
Schools across Ceredigion have been recognised for their outstanding achievements in the 2025 Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative (WHSI).
The WHSI, now in its 35th year, is one of the largest annual history competitions in Europe. It celebrates schools that excel in teaching and learning about heritage, encouraging pupils to explore and share their local and national stories.
This year’s competition saw a record-breaking 12,000 pupils from across Wales take part. The awards ceremony was held at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea on 04 July 2025.
Ceredigion schools received a number of awards, including:
- Ysgol Gymunedol Ceinewydd – £800, sponsored by Moondance Foundation and shield for best primary school in Wales. Learners explored New Quay’s maritime and cultural history through digital media.
- Ysgol Plascrug – £750, sponsored by Moondance Foundation. Pupils conducted a detailed study of Victorian homes and lifestyles in Wales.
- Ysgol Gynradd Aberaeron – £600, sponsored by Hodge Foundation and E-sgol. The school celebrated Aberaeron’s heritage through a whole-school Christmas show, uniting the community in a creative historical narrative.
- Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth – £600, sponsored by Hodge Foundation. Learners investigated the Welsh settlement in Patagonia, producing a well-researched and creatively presented project.
- Ysgol Talgarreg – £450, sponsored by Moondance Foundation. Pupils researched their local area and notable figures, creating a video and website to celebrate their area and its national significance.
- Ysgol Dyffryn Cledlyn – £450, sponsored by Hodge Foundation. The school focused on preserving Welsh legends, engaging in storytelling, site visits, and community exhibitions to keep local folklore alive.
- Ysgol Llanilar – £300, sponsored by Moondance Foundation. Pupils recreated the experience of WWII evacuees, including a steam train journey and a community exhibition.
- Ysgol Penrhyncoch – £500, sponsored by SWIEET (Industrial Heritage Prize). Inspired by a visit to a local zinc mine, pupils explored Welsh mining history and the Senghennydd disaster.
- Ysgol Penglais – £600, sponsored by Moondance Foundation, Hodge Foundation, and Cambrian Archaeological Association. Year 9 pupils researched WWI soldiers from Aberystwyth and created digital memorials, including QR code plaques to be placed on graves in France.
In the post-16 EUSTORY category, which connects young historians across 28 European countries, Elan Mabbutt from Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig and Efa Jenkins from Ysgol Bro Teifi each received £75, sponsored by the Moondance Foundation, and the opportunity to attend the EUSTORY Youth Summit in Florence, Italy.
Councillor Wyn Thomas, Ceredigion Cabinet Member for Schools and Lifelong Learning, said: “The exceptional standard of work from Ceredigion schools reflects the deep engagement of learners with their heritage. It’s inspiring to see such passion and pride in our shared history. Thank you to the learners and their teachers for their leadership on these interesting projects.”
The WHSI continues to be supported by organisations such as Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, the Moondance Foundation, Hodge Foundation, and Cadw.