Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Risca Comprehensive School has been taken out of special measures after inspectors agreed the school had made significant progress.

The school was put into special measures in January 2024 by schools inspectorate Estyn, which had inspected the school in December 2023.

Issues such as the school’s below-average attendance figures, and poor lesson planning, were highlighted in Estyn’s report at the time.

But now inspectors are happy with the progress the school has made over the last 18 months.

A plan was put in place by headteacher Martin Hulland, who took over in September 2023, to address the issues identified by Estyn.

Following these changes, the inspectors praised efforts to improve pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills, with Maths and English teaching showing a marked improvement.

Attendance figures have also seen a sharp increase, rising by 3% since 2024 to a final figure of 91.7% – the highest among secondary schools in Caerphilly County Borough – and the top 10% in Wales.

Pupil behaviour and attitudes have also been consistently praised by Estyn, which also highlighted the school’s governing body and its role in helping reduce the school’s budget deficit.

After special measures were lifted, headteacher Mr Hulland said: “It’s a tremendous boost for our entire school community.

“Our dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to implement the changes required, and I am proud of every one of them.

“Our fantastic pupils have been true partners in this journey, demonstrating improved attitudes to learning, self-confidence, and resilience.”

He continued: “We’re proud of how far we’ve come and are determined to keep moving forward to be the very best school we can be.

“I would like to thank the local authority, our governors, and our parents for their unwavering support.”

Councillor Carol Andrews, Caerphilly Council’s cabinet member for education, hailed a “truly outstanding achievement” for the school and said it was a “reflection of the commitment and collaboration between staff, pupils, governors, and the wider community”.

Cllr Andrews said: “I am particularly pleased to see the improvements in pupil behaviour, attendance, and teaching quality – all of which are vital to a successful school.

“Congratulations to everyone involved. This outcome is richly deserved and I am confident that the school will continue to go from strength to strength.”