Milford Haven School is an English medium comprehensive co-educational school of over 1000 students, in Milford Haven, Wales.
History and Catchment The site of the school was the former Milford Haven Grammar School, opened in 1964. In 1988, a remodelled Comprehensive school was opened, incorporating pupils of the former Central Secondary Modern School.Wing Commander Ken McKay A Vision Of Greatness: The History of Milford 1790-1990, Brace Harvatt Associates, 1989. The site had initially been the subject of some criticism of its suitability, due to both its inconvenient distance from the town centre, and also the potential danger of locating the school beside a main road.The Development of Secondary Education in Milford Haven 1902 - 1964, Johnson, Barry; Presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M.Ed.UCW, 1974 Its catchment area includes the town of Milford Haven and the area extending westwards to Dale.www.milfordhavenschool.co.uk School Website, Retrieved 4 October 2013 Just over 18% of pupils are eligible for free school meals compared with the Welsh average of about 15% for secondary schools. Very few pupils come from Welsh-speaking homes. Just under 2% of pupils have statements of special educational needs.Outcome of monitoring visit Milford Haven School 2012 Eystyn Inspection Information, Retrieved 28 December 2014
Sixth Form In October 2019, school governors wrote to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting that a consultation be carried out to end sixth form provision. Falling pupil numbers, reduced curriculum options and provision not meeting the needs of learners were cited as contributory factors.Milford Haven School seeks closure of sixth form Western Telegraph article, 4 October 2019 The announcement provoked a negative reaction in the local community, the response included an online petition and concerns that pupils would have to travel long distances for sixth form education.Petition fights to save Milford Haven School Sixth Form Western Telegraph article, 5 October 2019
Accommodation and Facilities
The school is located in the northern outskirts of Milford Haven, bordering Steynton. It is surrounded by agricultural land to the north, and private housing estates to the east and west. In addition to the original buildings which comprised the grammar school, four newer blocks are integrated into this structure. Sports facilities include a multi-purpose sports hall and a gymnasium, tennis courts and an all-weather pitch with flood-lighting.
Staff There are 61 teaching staff, including the Headteacher, two Deputy Heads and two Assistant Heads. Headteacher Mr Islwyn Morgan retired in December 2012, and in January 2013 was replaced by Mr Rod Francis. Rod Francis left the position in September 2017 and was replaced by Acting Headteacher, Beverley Davies. Ceri-Ann Morris took up the position permanently in April 2018.
Awards and achievements In November 2024 MHS was the first school to be awarded the Investors in Carers Gold Level. In September 2024 the school was the first secondary school in Pembrokeshire to be awarded the UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School Award. In November 2024 the u14 Girls Hockey Team were crowned Pembrokeshire Champions. The team is coached by Miss Griffiths.
Controversies 2013 Protest The school became the subject of controversy in October 2013 when a pupil was punished for shaving his head to raise money for charity.Teen Punished by School Over Charity Head Shave Western Telegraph Article, 4 October 2013 This led to a protest on Friday 4 October 2013Students Sing 'We Shall Not Be Moved' Outside Milford Haven School, Western Telegraph Article, 4 October 2013 attended by 353 pupils, which resulted in the pupil being permitted to return.Milford Haven School Head Shave Teen To Be Allowed Back Into Classes on Monday, Mum Says Western Telegraph Article, 4 October 2013 A joint statement was released by Miss O'Neill (parent of the pupil) and Milford Haven School following the incident.Joint Statement By Miss O'Neill and Milford Haven School Milford Haven School Website, accessed 18 November 2013 2019 Bullying Incidents In January 2019 the school became the focus of media attention due to two alleged incidents of bullying. Police were called to the school site on 11 January, responding to an incident in which a male pupil was filmed appearing to be assaulted by a large group of children. The video was shared widely on social media.Police called to an incident at Milford Haven School Western Telegraph article, 12 January 2019Police investigating Milford Haven School fight as assault Western Telegraph article, 14 January 2019 Later in January, a fourteen year old vegan pupil at the school claimed that he was assaulted, and force fed bacon. The boy was left with post-concussion syndrome. The school's spokesman said: 'the matter has been dealt with in accordance with the Governing Body's approved policies and procedures', but according to the pupil's mother, they still feel let down by the school.Vegan schoolboy 'headbutted and punched by bully who tried to force feed him bacon' Mirror article, 25 January 2019 at Mirror.co.uk, accessed 30 January 2019 Pupil Suicide In 2017, 14 year old pupil Megan Evans committed suicide at her home, after allegedly being bullied. Her parents accused the school of inaction, in spite of claiming they made it aware of the situation, contributing to her death.Megan Evans inquest: Milford Haven School 'could be examined', BBC News article, 1 October 2019 A coroner's decision found in 2024 that there was no evidence she was bullied online or in school.No bullying evidence in girl's death, says coroner, BBC News article, 22 November 2024 Teacher Assault & Lockdown In February 2026, a 15‑year‑old pupil at the school was charged with grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article after a teacher was assaulted and sustained stab wounds. Following the incident, the school was placed in a temporary lockdown.Milford Haven school pupil charged with GBH after teacher assaulted, Guardian article, 7 February 2026
Notable alumni Sarah Waters, an award-winning novelist.BBC Southwest Wales Retrieved 16 March 2012 John Cooper, a serial killer from Milford Haven attended the Grammar School.John Cooper Goes Into The Witness Box To Deny Four Murders Western Telegraph Article, 13 March 2011 Andrew Salter (born 1993), cricketer George Winter, actor who appeared in the films Scum, and All Quiet on the Western Front. Retrieved 30 January 2010 Rosalyn Wild, finalist in Britain's Kindest Kid.Rosalyn in the running for 'kindest kid' award Milford Mercury Article, 5 November 2011 Sarah Howells, a British singer-songwriter and trance vocalist.Meet The Band Special: "Paper Aeroplanes' Sarah Howells Discusses Little Letters", Milford Mercury, 10 May 2013 Eric Summons, an Australian children's television personality, comedian and magician.Eric’s a star Down Under after setting out from Milford Haven!, www.pembrokeshiresport.co.uk
External links Milford Haven School The Development of Secondary Education in Milford Haven 1902 - 1964 Johnson, Barry, 1974
References