Education and instruction in Penarth, Wales, reflect the town's commitment to inclusive learning, bilingualism, and community-centred schooling.

The educational landscape in Penarth covers the early years through post-16 study, combining historic Victorian foundations with modern comprehensive and independent provision.

Penarth offers a full continuum of educational institutions, including nurseries, English-medium and Welsh-medium primary schools, two major comprehensive secondary schools, an independent school with an International Baccalaureate programme, and specialist provision for learners with additional needs. The town's schools are maintained primarily by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, with a strong emphasis on high academic standards, bilingual identity, and smooth transitions between educational stages.

Penarth hosts a range of nursery and pre-school settings, including Little Westbourne Nursery (part of the independent Westbourne School ecosystem), Victoria Private Day Nursery (offering curriculum-based pre-school education), and Bear Pak (a not-for-profit wraparound childcare provider operating since 1994). These early-years settings reflect Penarth's emphasis on safe, inclusive, bilingual, and community-oriented childcare.

Penarth's primary sector includes several English-medium schools, a Welsh-medium school, and faith-based provision. Notable institutions include Albert Primary School, Fairfield Primary School, Evenlode Primary School, Victoria Primary School, Cogan Primary School, St. Joseph's RC Primary School, and Ysgol Pen y Garth.

Albert Primary School is one of Penarth's most historically significant educational institutions. Founded in 1876, it was the town's first board school. Constructed from local quarry stones, the building is a striking example of Victorian civic architecture. Designed by architect John Coates Carter, it features unique friezes by artist Robert Norton Nance, and holds Grade II listed status. Originally serving children up to school-leaving age, it became a unified primary school in 1981, with a nursery unit added in 1987.

Penarth is served by two major comprehensive schools. The Stanwell School was formerly the county grammar school, but is now a large foundation school with around 2,000 pupils and extensive facilities, while St. Cyres School is part of the Penarth Learning Community campus, known for its Welsh Baccalaureate programme and Fairtrade commitments. Both schools reflect the town's modern emphasis on academic excellence, community engagement, and broad curricular opportunities.

Westbourne School provides independent education from nursery through sixth form, and is known for small class sizes, strong academic performance, and its International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, distinguishing it from many regional schools.

Penarth also hosts special schools serving learners with disabilities, profound and multiple learning difficulties, autism, and sensory impairments. Community education services offer adult learning, evening classes, and informal educational opportunities for residents.