Gold Star for Ysgol Bryn Castell

Ysgol Bryn Castell in Brynmenyn has received a glowing inspection report, with Estyn awarding them a ‘good’ rating across the board in each of the five key inspection areas.

Inspectors now judge schools on five areas – standards, wellbeing and attitudes to learning, teaching and learning experiences, leadership and management, and care, support and guidance.

Whilst visiting Ysgol Bryn Castell, inspectors were thrilled to see pupils were polite and respectful to each other as well as staff and have formed trusting relationships. Estyn acknowledges the school as an inclusive and caring community which creates an environment where pupils can achieve and enjoy their education.

The report also praised the work of the school’s Governing Body, which supports the staff and students successfully. It went on to state: “Staff enable pupils, through a safe and supportive environment to develop the skills they need to be successful and happy. The focus on establishing positive behaviours, working relationships and wellbeing is a consistently strong feature of the work of the school.”

As with all inspections, Estyn have made a few recommendations so that the school can continue to improve and aim for an ‘excellent’ next inspection.

Recommendations include improving pupils’ attendance and ensuring that all teachers have a clear understanding of pupils’ progress and their next steps for learning.

Well done to everyone at Ysgol Bryn Castell for gaining such a positive Estyn report. I am pleased that the inspector has recognised the high standard of teaching and strong progress by pupils. The school has a highly skilled and educated team, and it is through their commitment that the school has been able to continuously improve.

Councillor Charles Smith, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration

Head teacher of Ysgol Bryn Castell, Helen Ridout said: “I am very pleased with the outcome of this report. I would like to thank all staff and parents for their continued support and commitment to the school.

“We recognise and value that by working together we can achieve the very best for our children and young people at Ysgol Bryn Castell.

“The school welcomes the positive feedback from the inspection and constructive recommendations in order to improve our school for future inspections.”

The school will now draw up a post-inspection action plan which will address the above recommendations.