Best schools in Bridgend: how they compare
Bridgend has 61 open schools - 48 primary and 9 secondary among them - teaching about 22,118 pupils. 8% teach through Welsh or in both languages, and 1 is in Estyn follow-up. Here is every school side by side, with what Estyn found when it last visited.
Why there is no league table in Wales
Wales stopped publishing school performance tables, and since September 2022 Estyn, the schools inspectorate, no longer sums a school up in one word like "Excellent" or "Good". Each report describes what pupils learn, how well they are taught and what the school should do next. So a ranking of the best schools in Bridgend would rest on someone's opinion, not published data. What you can compare is set out below: whether Estyn has asked a school to improve, what its latest report says, the language your child would be taught in, and the kind of intake each school has.
Estyn follow-up
1 of 61 schools are in follow-up; Estyn returns to check their progress.
- No follow-up55 (90%)
- Special measures1 (2%)
- No report on file5 (8%)
Source: Estyn inspection reports
Language of teaching
8% Welsh-medium or dual language in Bridgend, against 30% across Wales.
- Welsh-medium5 (8%)
- English-medium52 (85%)
- Not recorded4 (7%)
Source: Welsh Government school data
Schools by stage in Bridgend
Click a stage to filter the list below.
- Primary48
- Secondary9
- Special2
Bridgend against Wales
The typical (median) school in the council, set against the typical school in Wales.
- Pupils eligible for free meals (3-year)
- 23.3%18.6%
- Pupils with additional learning needs
- 7.0%8.1%
- Budget per pupil
- £5,348£5,801
Source: Welsh Government school census 2025/26 and school budgets 2026-27
What the numbers say about schools in Bridgend
At the typical school in Bridgend, 23.3% of pupils have been eligible for free school meals over the last three years, 4.7 points above the Welsh figure. Every primary pupil in Wales now gets a free lunch, so this measures eligibility, the usual guide to how disadvantaged an intake is. 7.0% of pupils at the typical school have additional learning needs (1.1 points below the Welsh figure). Schools here receive about £5,348 per pupil, £453 below the Welsh figure. Pupil numbers have fallen by 3.5% since 2020/21, which can mean spare places at some schools and pressure on budgets. The largest school is Brynteg Comprehensive School, with 1,668 pupils.
None of these figures tells you whether a school is good. A school with a more disadvantaged intake can be doing outstanding work, and a small rural school with a high budget per pupil is often simply small. Use them to understand the setting, then read what Estyn wrote.
Every school in Bridgend
Schools not in Estyn follow-up first, then the most recently inspected. This is not a ranking by quality.
61 of 61 schools shown
- No follow-up
Tremains Primary
BracklaPrimaryEnglish-medium448 pupils17.7% free meals
- No follow-up
Coety Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium490 pupils3.3% free meals
"Coety Primary School is a welcoming and nurturing community where most pupils, including those with additional learning needs, make strong progress from their starting points." Estyn, April 2026
- No follow-up
Cynffig Comprehensive School
BridgendSecondaryEnglish-medium768 pupils31.7% free meals
"The strong, respectful relationships between staff and pupils are a notable feature of Cynffig Comprehensive School." Estyn, March 2026
- No follow-up
Penybont Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium340 pupils32.9% free meals
"Penybont Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school where pupils and families feel valued." Estyn, February 2026
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bryn Castell
BridgendSpecialNot recorded181 pupils
"Ysgol Bryn Castell is an inclusive and caring school where strong, trusting relationships underpin all aspects of its work." Estyn, January 2026
- No follow-up
Llangynwyd Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium92 pupils36.8% free meals
"Llangynwyd Primary school is a welcoming and inclusive community where pupils and their families feel cared for and supported." Estyn, November 2025
- No follow-up
Litchard Primary
Bridgend (Pen-y-bont ar OgwrPrimaryEnglish-medium460 pupils26.2% free meals
"Litchard Primary School is a happy, inclusive and nurturing environment where pupils feel safe, valued and eager to learn." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Y Ferch O'r Sger
BridgendPrimaryWelsh-medium142 pupils17.5% free meals
"The headteacher leads the school effectively and has high expectations of herself, staff and pupils." Estyn, May 2025
- No follow-up
Bryntirion Comprehensive School
BridgendSecondaryEnglish-medium1,236 pupils17.9% free meals
"A notable strength of Ysgol Gyfun Bryntirion Comprehensive School is the positive working relationships between staff and pupils." Estyn, March 2025
- No follow-up
Archdeacon John Lewis
BracklaPrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales128 pupils22.5% free meals
"Overall, staff and governors work in close partnership within the local diocese to ensure that Archdeacon John Lewis Church in Wales V.A." Estyn, February 2025
- No follow-up
Brynteg Comprehensive School
BridgendSecondaryEnglish-medium1,668 pupils18.1% free meals
"Brynteg Comprehensive School provides its pupils with an inclusive, caring environment where the values of ‘respect, independence, community, kindness’ are an integral part of school life." Estyn, February 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr
BridgendPrimaryWelsh-medium377 pupils11.7% free meals
"Leaders have established a robust vision and ethos for the school based on providing access for all to stimulating and interesting learning experiences that encourage pupils to succeed to the best of their ability." Estyn, February 2025
- No follow-up
Nottage Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium345 pupils11.5% free meals
"Nottage Primary School is a happy, safe and caring school where most pupils make solid progress in the development of their learning and well-being." Estyn, January 2025
- No follow-up
Portfolio PRU
BridgendNot recorded
"The PRU provides an exceptional level of care, support, and guidance, prioritising the well- being and learning of all pupils." Estyn, January 2025
- No follow-up
Penyfai C.I.W. Primary
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales241 pupils4.9% free meals
"Leaders place well-being at the heart of Pen-y-Fai CIW Primary School, fostering inclusivity and respect among pupils and staff and creating a calm and happy learning environment." Estyn, November 2024
- No follow-up
Bryncethin Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium222 pupils32.0% free meals
"Most pupils at Bryncethin Primary School behave well and are polite and respectful to one another." Estyn, November 2024
- No follow-up
Oldcastle Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium418 pupils8.6% free meals
"The headteacher at Oldcastle Primary School knows the school well and provides effective leadership." Estyn, October 2024
- No follow-up
Pencoed Comprehensive School
BridgendSecondaryEnglish-medium906 pupils21.4% free meals
"Pencoed Comprehensive School is a caring, inclusive school where the well-being of individuals is prioritised, and diversity celebrated." Estyn, September 2024
- No follow-up
Maes yr Haul Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium455 pupils8.7% free meals
"Maes yr Haul Primary School is a caring school." Estyn, October 2024
- No follow-up
St Robert's Catholic Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic169 pupils10.5% free meals
"St. Robert’s Roman Catholic Primary School provides a caring, supportive environment for its pupils and their families." Estyn, May 2024
- No follow-up
Ffaldau Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium135 pupils34.4% free meals
"Ffaldau Primary School is a caring school where the well-being of pupils and their prospects are central to all it does." Estyn, May 2024
- No follow-up
Cefn Glas Infant School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium185 pupils17.7% free meals
"Cefn Glas Infant School is a welcoming, inclusive school that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Betws Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium146 pupils45.4% free meals
"Betws Primary School is part of a federation with nearby Blaengarw Primary School." Estyn, January 2024
- No follow-up
Blaengarw Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium150 pupils32.2% free meals
"Blaengarw Primary School is part of a federation with nearby Betws Primary School." Estyn, January 2024
- No follow-up
Brackla Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium336 pupils26.0% free meals
"Brackla is a happy and welcoming school, where pupils and staff feel cared for and thrive." Estyn, January 2024
- No follow-up
Porthcawl Primary School
PorthcawlPrimaryEnglish-medium181 pupils16.8% free meals
"All staff and pupils are proud to be a part of Porthcawl Primary School." Estyn, November 2023
- No follow-up
Heronsbridge School
BridgendSpecialNot recorded269 pupils
"Pupils at Heronsbridge School are happy, safe and enjoy coming to school." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Llangewydd Junior School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium343 pupils36.7% free meals
"Llangewydd Junior School is a highly inclusive school that places a priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Genus Education
BlackmillNot recorded
"Genus Education is a caring community that provides highly effective support to develop pupils’ self-confidence and well-being." Estyn, September 2023
- No follow-up
Caerau Primary School
MaestegPrimaryEnglish-medium400 pupils52.0% free meals
"Caerau Primary School is an inclusive school that fosters strong relationships between adults and pupils, and supports their emotional and social needs effectively." Estyn, May 2023
- No follow-up
Bryntirion Infants School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium144 pupils35.7% free meals
"Bryntirion Infants school is a warm and caring school." Estyn, April 2023
- No follow-up
Garth Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium193 pupils46.8% free meals
"Garth Primary School is a happy and caring learning community." Estyn, March 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd
LlangynwydSecondaryWelsh-medium701 pupils17.6% free meals
"The headteacher and other leaders have very high expectations of staff and pupils." Estyn, March 2023
- No follow-up
Newton Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium163 pupils23.3% free meals
"Nearly all pupils show a positive attitude to learning and enjoy their time in school." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Cwmfelin Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium198 pupils12.0% free meals
"Cwmfelin Primary School is a nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils feel safe, happy and valued." Estyn, January 2023
- No follow-up
Nantymoel Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium220 pupils34.2% free meals
"Nantymoel Primary School is a caring and inclusive school, which encourages pupils to learn in a positive atmosphere and to be happy." Estyn, January 2023
- No follow-up
St Mary's & St Patrick's Catholic Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic200 pupils24.0% free meals
"St Mary’s and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School provides a caring and inclusive environment for its pupils, which encourages them to learn, be happy and enjoy school life." Estyn, January 2023
- No follow-up
Coychurch (Llangrallo) Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium131 pupils12.8% free meals
"The school is a vibrant and inclusive community where pupils, staff and families feel welcome and supported." Estyn, November 2022
- No follow-up
Croesty Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium185 pupils20.7% free meals
"Many pupils at Croesty Primary School make progress in their learning and develop as caring and enthusiastic learners." Estyn, November 2022
- No follow-up
Brynmenyn Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium403 pupils30.7% free meals
"Brynmenyn Primary School is a happy, inclusive school that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, October 2022
- No follow-up
Corneli Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium240 pupils46.3% free meals
"Pupils at Corneli Primary like and enjoy being in school." Estyn, October 2022
- No follow-up
Pil Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium194 pupils39.1% free meals
"Nearly all pupils have positive attitudes to school, behave well and enjoy their learning." Estyn, July 2022
- No follow-up
Afon-Y-Felin Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium129 pupils54.0% free meals
"Pupils’ well-being is at the heart of Afon-Y-Felin Primary School and nearly all enjoy attending school." Estyn, June 2022
- No follow-up
Abercerdin Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium127 pupils19.7% free meals
- No follow-up
Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School
BridgendSecondaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic853 pupils15.5% free meals
- No follow-up
Cefn Cribwr Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium162 pupils26.1% free meals
- No follow-up
Maesteg School
MaestegSecondaryEnglish-medium1,015 pupils34.6% free meals
- No follow-up
Nantyffyllon Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium198 pupils26.1% free meals
- No follow-up
Ogmore Vale Primary
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium284 pupils41.4% free meals
- No follow-up
Pencoed Primary School
PencoedPrimaryEnglish-medium544 pupils19.1% free meals
- No follow-up
Plasnewydd Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium169 pupils43.5% free meals
- No follow-up
Porthcawl Comprehensive School
BridgendSecondaryEnglish-medium1,169 pupils13.0% free meals
- No follow-up
Tondu Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium207 pupils26.0% free meals
- No follow-up
Trelales Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium206 pupils5.0% free meals
- No follow-up
West Park Primary School
PorthcawlPrimaryEnglish-medium403 pupils4.9% free meals
- No report on file
Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen
TonduSecondaryEnglish-medium1,257 pupils28.5% free meals
- No report on file
Mynydd Cynffig Primary School
Kenfig HillPrimaryEnglish-medium423 pupils23.8% free meals
- No report on file
St Mary's Catholic Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic238 pupils7.9% free meals
- No report on file
YGG Cynwyd Sant
BridgendPrimaryWelsh-medium286 pupils21.1% free meals
- No report on file
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Calon Y Cymoedd
BridgendPrimaryWelsh-medium198 pupils18.6% free meals
- Special measures
Tynyrheol Primary School
BridgendPrimaryEnglish-medium47 pupils44.6% free meals
"Nearly all pupils in Tynyrheol Primary School behave well." Estyn, November 2025
Choosing and applying for a school in Bridgend
Start with Estyn. Its report on each school is short, plain and recent, and the recommendations at the end tell you what the inspectors want to see improve. A school in special measures or in need of significant improvement is being revisited, and some turn round quickly, so check the date and read what has changed. Then visit: an hour in a school tells you more about how it feels than any figure.
Decide early whether you want Welsh-medium education. Every school in Wales teaches Welsh to 16, but a Welsh-medium school teaches most lessons through Welsh, and children from English-speaking homes join from nursery and reception every year. Moving between the two later is harder, so the choice usually matters most at the start of primary school.
Applications for community schools go to Bridgend council, not the school; voluntary aided church schools can run their own admissions, so check each one. Welsh councils set their own closing dates and most give priority to children living in a school's catchment area, so check which catchment your address falls in before you rank your choices. If you are applying for a secondary place, look at the feeder primaries too: many Bridgend secondaries take most of their pupils from a named group of primary schools.
Questions parents ask about schools in Bridgend
How many schools are there in Bridgend?
Bridgend has 61 open schools on School Signal, including 48 primary and 9 secondary schools, teaching about 22,118 pupils (school census 2025/26).
Which schools in Bridgend are in Estyn follow-up?
1 school is in Estyn follow-up: Tynyrheol Primary School (special measures). Follow-up means Estyn returns to check progress; it is worth reading the report before ruling a school in or out.
How many Welsh-medium schools are there in Bridgend?
5 schools in Bridgend teach mainly through Welsh and 0 teach in both languages - 8% of the council's schools, against 30% across Wales. You don't need to speak Welsh at home for your child to attend one.
Is there a school league table for Bridgend?
No. Wales stopped publishing school league tables and Estyn no longer gives schools an overall grade, so any "top ten" list for Bridgend is someone's own judgement. Compare Estyn's reports, the language of teaching and how far you are from each school instead.
Sources: Estyn inspection reports (Crown copyright, quoted with acknowledgement); Welsh Government school census and school budget data, Open Government Licence v3.0.