Penyrheol Comprehensive School

Penyrheol Comprehensive School is a secondary school in Gorseinon, Swansea, Wales..AdmissionsIt has around 1,000 pupils from the Penyrheol, Gorseinon, and Loughor areas. It is situated just east of the B4296, accessed via two miles along the A4240 from junction 47 of the M4.It does not have a sixth form. It serves Gorseinon, Loughor, Penyrheol, Kingsbridge and Garden Village.HistoryIt was formerly administered by West Glamorgan County Council (based in Swansea).1976 fireThe school had to be rebuilt due to a fire in 1976 which destroyed half of the school. Thirty years later, much the same thing would happen again and a similar financial shortfall in the cost from what was available from insurance cover.2006 fireOn Saturday 18 March 2006 from around 2 - 6am the school was largely destroyed by arson when the school was largely engulfed in a blaze. Strong winds added to the fire. The whole main building was destroyed leaving only the drama studio, sports hall, and annex which contained the English and Welsh departments as well as one ICT room. Much course work was lost in the blaze. 40 classrooms were destroyed. Only the English and Maths departments survived. 60 firefighters fought the blaze for four hours. Water from the pool in the leisure centre was used to fight the fire.Many teachers lost valuable work that was irreplaceable. Artwork was completely destroyed.On 30 November 2006, 18-year-old Jonathan Giles, was sentenced to six years for starting the fire, having been arrested on 19 March 2006. He denied the charge of burglary. It was started in a bag of paper meant for recycling. On leaving the building they took some fire extinguishers which they used to spray some local girls. Not all of Swansea Council's insurance covered the fire damage.