Ysgol Y Gwernant gets glowing report

Staff, pupils, and the governing body at Ysgol Gymraeg Y Gwernant are celebrating after receiving a glowing report following a recent inspection by a team of inspectors from Estyn, the statutory inspectorate for education and training in Wales. 

The report rates the primary school as being ‘excellent’ for Wellbeing and Attitudes to Learning; Care, Support and Guidance; and Leadership and Management.

It report says that: “The school is an extremely caring and friendly community that promotes the importance of pupils’ excellent behaviour very successfully. 

"A strong element of provision is the way in which all staff commit highly effectively to ensuring pupils’ wellbeing, including their mental and physical health. Provision for all of the school’s councils contributes exceptionally well towards the familial, caring and inclusive ethos. 

"As a result, nearly all pupils feel safe, take pride in their school and show very positive attitudes towards their learning. The school provides a wide range of procedures that promote this excellently."

Chair of governors Professor Jethro Newton said: "As is evident, these outcomes are impressive and are a testimony to the excellent leadership of the headteacher, Mrs Bethan Jones, to the outstanding work of the teaching and support staff, and to the achievement and behaviour of pupils."

Amongst the strengths highlighted by the inspectors are the school’s "very strong" Welsh ethos and the use made by pupils of the Welsh language. 

The report describes Ysgol Y Gwernant as a “happy, caring, and inclusive community”, and praises the “excellent pupil behaviour” and “strong attitudes to learning” of pupils, along with the “dedicated and enthusiastic staff”.

Professor Newton added: “The report provides a very reassuring picture of the high-quality teaching and learning environment at our school, and the high-quality educational and pastoral experience from which all pupils are able to benefit."

Ysgol Y Gwernant was represented by headteacher Bethan Jones and senior teacher Diane Davies at the Estyn Excellence Awards ceremony held in Cardiff on October 11.

* The full report, (both Welsh and English versions), can be accessed on the Estyn website at:

https://www.estyn.gov.wales/provider/ysgol-gymraeg-y-gwernant-welsh-medium-primary