Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd receives outstanding Estyn report
Poster information
Posted on: Wednesday 07 June 2023
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 the school’s leadership team 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 school’s headteacher Meurig Jones was named ‘Headteacher of the year’ at the most recent Welsh Teaching Awards and also received the silver award at the Pearson UK Teaching Awards. Inspectors described Meurig as an “inspiring and modest leader who is very well respected among the staff and wider school community.”
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.”
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 great to celebrate the success of Welsh-medium education in the county borough and 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 which will play a key part in helping to increase the amount of Welsh speakers in Bridgend County Borough and Wales as a whole.
Councillor Jon-Paul Blundell, Cabinet Member for Education