Estyn praises progress at Archdeacon Griffiths Church in Wales Primary School

Llyswen's Archdeacon Griffiths Church in Wales Primary School has been recognised for the significant progress it has made following its recent Estyn monitoring visit, with inspectors confirming that the school has made sufficient progress to be removed from the category of schools requiring significant improvement.

In its report, Estyn highlighted the school's improved leadership, stronger teaching and learning, more robust self-evaluation processes, and the positive steps taken to develop pupils' independence and problem-solving skills. Inspectors found that the school has created a positive culture built on trust, transparency and collaboration, helping to establish a shared sense of purpose across the school community.

The report notes that leadership has strengthened at all levels, governors are providing increasingly effective support and challenge, and staff have benefited from professional learning and collaboration with other schools. Inspectors also recognised improvements in literacy and mathematics teaching and praised the range of opportunities being created for pupils to become more independent learners.

While recognising the substantial progress made, Estyn identified areas where further improvement can continue, including ensuring consistently high expectations for pupils' writing and presentation skills, strengthening evaluation processes in some areas, and continuing to develop older pupils' number skills and independent learning opportunities.

Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: "This is excellent news for the pupils, staff, governors and wider school community at Archdeacon Griffiths. To be removed from significant improvement is a notable achievement and reflects the dedication, determination and hard work of everyone involved.

"The report recognises the considerable progress the school has made in strengthening leadership, improving teaching and creating better learning experiences for pupils. While there is still work to do, the school is clearly moving in the right direction and has built strong foundations for continued success.

"I would like to thank the headteacher, staff, governors, pupils and families for their commitment throughout the improvement journey."

Headteacher Adam Shearman said: “I am incredibly proud to be the Headteacher of Archdeacon Griffiths School. The positive findings and progress within this Estyn report reflect the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, enthusiastic pupils, supportive families and valued community.

“We are delighted that Estyn has recognised the progress our school has made. This outcome reflects the collective efforts of our staff, pupils, governors, parents and the wider community.

"Leading the school through this period of improvement has been a privilege, and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our success.

“Together, we look forward to building on these strong foundations and continuing to strive to offer the very best education and opportunities for every child and ensuring Archdeacon Griffiths is a warm and welcoming learning community for all.”

Chair of Governors, Elaine Stephens said: “I feel privileged to be the Chair of such a happy, rural school where all the staff and children give their best and when visiting the different classes, it is clear to see the breadth and range of activities and learning, taking place.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you, on behalf of the Governing Body, to the children and the staff in school for their enthusiasm, time and commitment in making the school the happy place that it is. It is lovely to see the hard work of the whole school community recognised by Estyn.”