In 1902 Ferndale opened the first Free Secondary School in England and Wales. In a short history of secondary education in Ferndale, written by Mr Emrys Howells MA (Head teacher of the first Ferndale Grammar School), he notes:

"The Ferndale School dates back to the year 1892.  At that time there was no provision for secondary education in Rhondda (Fach)....."

In that year the people of Ferndale sent a deputation to the Ystradyfodwg School Board to ask that the Rhondda Fach should have equal facilities with the Rhondda Fawr and as a result, the Ferndale Higher Grade School was established.

The only premises available were three classrooms belonging to the North Road Infants' School, Ferndale.  By 1896 the number of pupils had so increased that additional accommodation had to be provided.  Building extensions were opened in 1898, hailed by Sir George Kekewich, Permanent Secretary of the Board of Education as an important step forward for which he praised the enterprise of the School Board.

For the first time it was able to offer a Course in Secondary Education and the upper section of the school became recognised as an Organised Science School.  The Ferndale School continued on this basis till 1902 when the passing of a new Education Act created a difficult situation. The Rhondda Council replaced the School Board as the Education Authority and like other urban districts was only allowed a limited amount for expenditure on Secondary Education so the position of the school was very precarious.

The firm attitude of the Rhondda Education Committee averted the danger of having to revert to Higher Elementary School status and Ferndale continued as a recognised Secondary School.  Moreover, no fees were charged and it was the first, and for a time, the only Free Secondary School in the whole of England and Wales.

For more details of its subsequent history please see the section on education.