Ysgol Cefnllys has been recognised by Estyn, the education and training inspectorate for Wales, for placing pupil wellbeing at the heart of its work while maintaining high standards and expectations.

The inspection report highlights the school’s commitment to nurturing happy, safe and ambitious learners, noting that: “Leaders prioritise pupils’ well-being appropriately while maintaining clear expectations for learning, ensuring that most pupils feel safe, supported and ready to learn.”

Reacting the latest inspection, headteacher Michaela Soporova, said: “I am so proud to be part of the amazing community we have here at Ysgol Cefnllys. Our pupils wowed the inspection team with not just with their skills, ability, and knowledge but more importantly by their kindness, confidence and their engagement in their own learning journey. I would like thank the staff team around me for their continued support – they are extremely dedicated and provide a high-quality education, care and support for all our pupils and their families.”

A particular success for the school community is the award of two “spotlights” by inspectors - recognition given to examples of interesting or innovative practices worthy of sharing with other schools and providers.

The first spotlight celebrates the school’s highly effective support for care-experienced and recently adopted pupils, stating that: “The school’s work to support vulnerable pupils is exceptional.” Inspectors praised the inclusive and compassionate approach, saying it is a school where staff and governors build a curriculum around vulnerable pupils that supports them to heal and learn at the same time.

Secondly, inspectors spotlighted how the school supports pupils to become independent learners - an area noted to be challenging for many schools to achieve. At Ysgol Cefnllys, pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, developing confidence, resilience and strong learning habits.

Reacting to the glowing report, James Williams, Chair of Governors said: “The spotlights from Estyn really demonstrate the excellent work our school does in providing a nurturing environment for all pupils - and the report clearly reflects the independent learner skills the school fosters.”

He continued: “On behalf of the governors, I would like to thank Ms Soporova and the staff for their continued hard work and commitment. Additionally, I'd like to thank our pupils, parents, carers, and the wider school community for maintaining the inclusive and caring culture that Cefnllys is proud to be recognised for."

Inspectors further highlighted the school’s “rich reading culture” where pupils are regularly exposed to engaging and inspiring texts that foster a love of reading. In addition, the report also describes the school as having a “strong safeguarding culture” ensuring that pupil safety and wellbeing remain a top priority.

Provision for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) was also identified as a key strength, with tailored support enabling all learners to access the curriculum and succeed.

Ysgol Cefnllys is hosting an open evening on Thursday, May 14 for prospective parents between 4:30pm and 6pm. For more information, please visit the school’s Facebook page or alternatively you can call the school on 01597 822297.