Here’s a summary of conclusions from the latest round of school inspections – which took place during the autumn term of 2024 (pdf).
No further action at five schools
Estyn inspectors concluded that no follow-up action was required at Pencoed Comprehensive, Maes-yr-Haul Primary, Oldcastle Primary, Mynydd Cynffig Primary and Pen-y-fai Church in Wales Primary.
Inspectors praised the quality of school leadership at all of the schools.
Attendance monitoring was praised at Maes-yr-Haul Primary, while Oldcastle Primary pupils were described as being “enthusiastic” about taking on extra responsibilities around the school. Mynydd Cynffig was praised for how it manages staff workload, as well as the school’s balanced curriculum.
The behaviour of pupils at Pen-y-fai CIW Primary was described as “exemplary” due to how the school encourages children to “do the right thing”.
Pencoed Comprehensive was praised for the professional development of staff and how it listens to the school council and various pupil ambassadors when seeking to make improvements.
One common recommendation for improvement at all schools was to either challenge pupils properly or to improve independent learning skills. Inspectors recommended that Maes-yr-Haul Primary improve Welsh language oral skills, while Mynydd Cynffig was tasked with improving outdoor learning opportunities.
There was a recommendation to improve attendance rates at Pencoed Comprehensive.
Interim inspections were also undertaken at Trelales Primary, Porthcawl Comprehensive, Bryntirion Infants, Coychurch Primary and Pil Primary. Inspectors were satisfied that all of the schools had worked on addressing previous recommendations.
Caerau Primary to leave special measures; Bryncethin Primary recommended for special measures
Inspectors recommended that Caerau Primary School should be removed from the list of schools in special measures after being placed into them following an inspection in June 2023.
Estyn concluded that the school has met all the improvement requirements laid out for them. This includes promoting good attendance, better teamwork and leadership and a much broader curriculum – including good use of outdoor areas.
While one school leaves special measures, it was recommended that Bryncethin Primary be placed into them. An improvement plan will now be drafted with the help of Bridgend Council and the South Central Regional Consortium.
There were no concerns about the school’s efforts to create a happy and supportive atmosphere. However, inspectors concluded that there were issues around poor attendance, the quality of numeracy, literacy and digital skills teaching, as well as how the school identifies its strengths and weaknesses.
