A new Estyn report has brought about a great result for Ysgol Llan-y-Pwll after the inspection returned a glowing review of the school.
Many of the school’s strongest attributes were highlighted and staff were commended for their unwavering dedication.
Estyn results
Estyn Inspectors visited the school the end of October 2025. The report, published just before Christmas, noted “Ysgol Llan-y-Pwll is a caring, happy and inclusive learning community where there is a strong sense that every pupil is a member of a large, close-knit family.”
“As the school continues to grow over time, the headteacher provides a clear strategic direction that promotes sustainable development and continuous improvement in a purposeful and effective manner. This vision, which is based on diligent co-operation between all the school’s stakeholders, ensures the best opportunities for all pupils within a caring and Welsh learning community. As one effective team, the headteacher is supported diligently by dedicated staff who place importance on ensuring that the happiness, safety and well-being of all pupils is at the heart of all the school’s work and its ethos.”
The report highlighted that “One of the school’s most prominent qualities is the sound knowledge of leaders and staff of each child and the way in which they aim passionately to meet their individual wellbeing and learning needs through appropriate progress-tracking methods.”
Inspectors praised teaching and learning noting that “Staff consider pupils’ suggestions appropriately and work productively with them and
their parents to develop a curriculum that embeds the community nature of the school purposefully. They provide a wide range of stimulating and meaningful experiences that ensure pupils’ interest and enjoyment in their learning activities.”
“One of the school’s obvious strengths is the high and shared aspirations of leaders and staff for nurturing pupils’ Welsh language skills. The productive relationship between the school and parents and the school’s wider community is an obvious strength. Leaders act proactively to build parents’ confidence in supporting their children’s linguistic development in the Welsh language. “
The report also noted that “Over time, most pupils, including those from low-income households, develop a range of skills consistently, including their literacy skills.”
A welcoming and inclusive school family
Headteacher Rhiannon James said: ““I am so proud of our children, staff, parents, governors and our wider school family. Since the school opened in September 2022, everyone has contributed to developing and establishing Ysgol Llan-y-Pwll as a welcoming and inclusive community where pupils feel happy, supported and inspired to learn, grow and succeed together.”
“We all work hard to ensure that we provide a wide range of exciting opportunities and experiences for all our learners and their families, and I am delighted that the inspectors recognised this. They noted that leaders ensure that the provision within the indoor and outdoor learning areas is rich and provides valuable opportunities for pupils to play, learn and investigate in an engaging environment.”
“I would like to thank all our children, staff, governors and parents for their unwavering support and dedication to our school. We are excited to build on this strong foundation and ensure that Ysgol Llan-y-Pwll continues to thrive and grow as an inclusive, ambitious and supportive environment for every pupil. Over the coming years, as pupils move into the older year groups, we look forward to continuing to develop further as a school.”
Testament to staff dedication
Cllr Becca Martin, Chair of Governors added: “I am delighted with the outcome of Ysgol Llan-y-Pwll’s first Estyn inspection. It is a testament to the leadership of the head teacher and the dedication of all the staff who strive to create a nurturing learning environment and enthusiastic learners. On behalf of the Governors, I would like to commend all staff for their hard work, and we look forward to working together to build on this success.”
Inspectors made the following recommendations following the visit:
- Provide learning activities that ensure a consistent challenge for pupils.
- Develop pupils’ leadership roles to have a wider influence on the life and work of the school.
- Empower the governing body to implement self-evaluation processes more effectively.
The full report is available to view on the Estyn website.
