A comprehensive school in Caerphilly has been praised by schools inspectorate Estyn.
St Cenydd Comprehensive School was judged to be ‘good’ in all five inspection areas – Standards, Wellbeing and attitudes to learning, Teaching and learning experiences, care support and guidance, and Leadership and management.
The school was visited by inspectors in November, with the findings much improved since its last inspection in 2013.
The school has 1,043 pupils and primarily serves the Penyrheol and Aber Valley council wards.
In the report, inspectors said: “Pupils learn to value and respect each other’s contribution to school life as a result of careful integration with the specialist resource centre and close work with a local special school.”
The report also says pupils “make strong progress from their starting points during their time at the school, particularly the more able and those with special educational needs.”
The report also welcomed the “strong and purposeful” relationship between pupils and staff at the school.
Headteacher Rebecca Collins said: “We are delighted with the results of the inspection and the recognition of the hard work and commitment of staff to ensure the success of every child.
“We are particularly pleased that the supportive and nurturing learning environment has been recognised and that pupils of all abilities have the very best opportunities to thrive here at St Cenydd.
“As a community, we pride ourselves on the care that we show for one another and we work hard to ensure that everyone is happy, ambitious and successful. It is lovely that this has been recognised.”
Cllr Barbara Jones, cabinet member for education and achievement, said she was “thrilled” with the report.
“Well done to the staff, pupils and governors, you should be very proud of your efforts,” said Cllr Jones.
Caerphilly AM Hefin David said he was “delighted” to hear of the school’s glowing report.
Dr David AM said: “To be judged as ‘good’ in all five inspection areas is a tribute to the hard work of the pupils and staff, the leadership of headteacher Miss Collins, and the all-round ethos at the school which Estyn described as ‘warm, nurturing and inclusive’.
“Well done to everyone involved, and long may it continue. I look forward to visiting the school this year to see this good work first-hand.”