YSGOL GYFUN GYMRAEG LLANGYNWYD has become the first Welsh-medium secondary school to receive no formal recommendations following an exceptional Estyn inspection which has led to the school being asked to produce two case studies of effective practice to share with others in the sector.
The inspection was held in March 2023 and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd now joins only a small group of schools in Wales to have achieved a report of this quality.
The report highlights that the quality of teaching is consistently high across the school whilst also praising the close and supportive working relationships between pupils and teachers.
Another positive was that the headteacher and other leaders having very high expectations of staff and pupils. The report noted that this helped to create a strong Welsh language culture throughout the school as a whole.
The inspectors were also impressed with the wide range of courses available at Key Stage 4 and in the school’s sixth form which provide many opportunities for pupils to take part in cultural and physical activities.
The school was also praised for the excellent support it provides for pupils with additional learning needs. The report states that staff know their pupils very well and tailor their provision carefully to ensure that they achieve to the best of their ability.
Meurig Jones, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd Headteacher said: It’s a real honour to become the first Welsh-medium secondary school to achieve an Estyn report with no specific recommendations.
“Everyone at the school is really passionate about Welsh language and culture so it’s really rewarding to see this reflected in the report.
“An inspection of this standard would not have been possible without the support of our staff, pupils, governors and parents/carers.”
Councillor Jon-Paul Blundell, Cabinet Member for Education added: “I would like to congratulate all staff, pupils and governors at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd for achieving a report of the highest order.
“It’s clear that the school provides a very positive environment for pupils to both thrive academically and develop as well-rounded individuals.
“The high level of ambition in the school really shines through and I’m sure that the school will continue to build on its already fantastic work.”
