Pentyrch Primary - Estyn Success
From Special Measures to Estyn Success: Pentyrch Primary School Celebrates Outstanding Inspection Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pentyrch Primary School is celebrating a landmark achievement following the publication of its latest Estyn inspection report, which recognises the school as a highly inclusive, nurturing and ambitious learning community where pupils’ wellbeing is at the heart of school life.
The inspection marks another significant milestone in the school’s remarkable journey of improvement. Once placed in special measures, the school has undergone a sustained transformation, with the latest Estyn report recognising the significant progress made through strong leadership, high-quality teaching and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every child can thrive.
Inspectors found that close to 100% of pupils feel safe, valued and supported, with pupils demonstrating positive attitudes to learning and immense pride in their school.
The report identifies a number of significant strengths across the school, including:
• Effective teaching that enables over 90% of pupils to make strong progress in their learning.
• Strong development of literacy, numeracy, digital skills and the Welsh language across the curriculum.
• Outstanding support for pupils with Additional Learning Needs, including those attending the school’s Specialist Resource Base.
• Strengthened leadership and a clear strategic vision centred on high expectations, inclusion and authentic learning experiences.
• Excellent provision for the expressive arts, recognised by Estyn as a notable strength of the school’s work.
• Positive and productive partnerships with parents, carers and the wider community.
As part of the inspection, Estyn also featured a Spotlight on the school’s strong and inclusive provision for the expressive arts, recognising how creativity is embedded throughout school life. Inspectors praised the way whole-school projects and performances enable pupils to explore culture, diversity and heritage while developing confidence and collaboration. They also highlighted the broad range of creative opportunities available to pupils, including dance, music, set and costume design, and British Sign Language (BSL), all of which enrich pupils’ learning experiences considerably.
The report also acknowledges that Pentyrch Primary School has continued to strengthen its provision since its previous inspection. Successful collaboration with Llanishen Fach Primary School enhanced curriculum development and staff expertise, while investment in the school site enabled the creation of both a nursery and a Specialist Resource Base, helping to secure the school’s long-term future.
Pentyrch Primary School’s current collaboration with Rhydypenau Primary School has continued to drive improvement over the last year by sharing expertise, strengthening leadership and further enhancing teaching and learning across both schools. This collaborative approach has enabled Pentyrch Primary to continue evolving while building on the excellent foundations already in place, further embedding excellence across the school. As a result of these developments, alongside the dedication of staff, pupils, governors and families, Pentyrch Primary School continues to grow, flourish and look confidently towards the future.
Chair of Governors Nicola Crocker said:
“To have our transformation recognised in this way is something our whole community can celebrate. Having come so far as a school, this report is a testament to the resilience, ambition and unwavering commitment of everyone involved in our journey.
Thank you to our wonderful pupils, inspirational staff, supportive families, governors and our wider community. This success belongs to every one of you, and we look forward to building on these achievements together as we continue to provide the very best education and opportunities for every child.”
Executive Headteacher Nicola Hammond and Head of School Clare Sanders said:
“We are absolutely delighted that Estyn has recognised the incredible progress made by Pentyrch Primary School. This report reflects the dedication of our staff, pupils, governors, families and the wider community, all of whom have played a vital role in our journey.
Our collaboration with Rhydypenau Primary School has enabled us to continue evolving and strengthening the excellent practice already established at Pentyrch. By sharing expertise, developing our staff and learning from one another, we have built on our strengths while remaining focused on delivering the very best outcomes for every child.
We are especially proud that the inspection recognises our inclusive ethos, our commitment to pupils’ wellbeing, our outstanding support for children with Additional Learning Needs and the national recognition of our expressive arts provision. While we celebrate this achievement, we remain ambitious and committed to continually improving so that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and flourish.”
The full Estyn inspection report is available on the Estyn website.
ENDS
Media enquiries
Pentyrch Primary School Executive Headteacher: Nicola Hammond HammondN3@Hwbcymru.net
