Its old building was used by the local Welsh-language primary school, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe (YGGP), until it was demolished in 2010.

Cwmtawe recently won an award for environmentally friendly schools, based on school improvements, community and curriculum links, saving money, and raising environmental awareness.

[1] Although Cwmtawe is not a Welsh-medium school, Welsh is taught at second-language level, as it is mandatory under the National Curriculum that all Welsh school children up to age 16 be taught the language.

Cwmtawe has very good Key Stage 3 and GCSE results exceeding the targets set in Wales's national standards.

[2] In 2000, it was in 113th place in Wales for GCSE passes (based on 5 GCSEs, grades A*-C).