Famous old boys include actor Anthony Hopkins, poet Alun Lewis, and TV presenter Patrick Hannan.

Cowbridge Grammar School was founded in 1608 by Sir John Stradling[2] and owned by Jesus College, Oxford, from 1685 to 1918.

Sir Leoline Jenkins, Secretary of State to Charles II, purchased the school and bequeathed it to Jesus College in his will.

What used to be the grammar school's main building, dating from 1852, was converted into residential accommodations beginning in 2006 and completed in 2008.

In 1881, Edward Treharne, who represented the school, was chosen to play in the first international game for the Wales rugby union team.