In 2003 the Estyn Report concluded that "Ysgol Rhiwabon provides good opportunities for pupils' academic, personal and social development".

In 2009 there were nearly 950 pupils on the school roll but enrollment has fallen substantially in subsequent years to around 600.

[1] The school has continued to receive special intervention by the local authority but as of September 2017 was still ranked as "Red" (the lowest available ranking)[2] and continues to require additional support.

In December 2017 the school was removed from special measures and ranked as "Amber".

The school was founded in 1575 and was housed in one of the church's outbuildings, The building still exists, but due to expansion the school was relocated to the site on Penycae Road in 1858, with the red terracotta buildings preserved.