Best schools in Caerphilly: how they compare

Caerphilly has 85 open schools - 69 primary and 10 secondary among them - teaching about 26,045 pupils. 14% teach through Welsh or in both languages, and 3 are 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 Caerphilly 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

3 of 85 schools are in follow-up; Estyn returns to check their progress.

No follow-up80 (94%)
Significant improvement2 (2%)
Special measures1 (1%)
No report on file2 (2%)

Source: Estyn inspection reports

Language of teaching

14% Welsh-medium or dual language in Caerphilly, against 30% across Wales.

Welsh-medium12 (14%)
English-medium68 (80%)
Not recorded5 (6%)

Source: Welsh Government school data

Schools by stage in Caerphilly

Click a stage to filter the list below.

Primary69
Middle1
Secondary10
Special1

Caerphilly against Wales

The typical (median) school in the council, set against the typical school in Wales.

CaerphillyWales

Pupils eligible for free meals (3-year): 22.5%
18.6%
Pupils with additional learning needs: 6.9%
8.1%
Budget per pupil: £5,432
£5,801

Source: Welsh Government school census 2025/26 and school budgets 2026-27

What the numbers say about schools in Caerphilly

At the typical school in Caerphilly, 22.5% of pupils have been eligible for free school meals over the last three years, 3.9 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. 6.9% of pupils at the typical school have additional learning needs (1.2 points below the Welsh figure). Schools here receive about £5,432 per pupil, £369 below the Welsh figure. Pupil numbers have fallen by 1.5% since 2020/21. The largest school is Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, with 1,804 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 Caerphilly

Schools not in Estyn follow-up first, then the most recently inspected. This is not a ranking by quality.

85 of 85 schools shown

Ysgol Penalltau
Ystrad MynachPrimaryWelsh-medium233 pupils14.0% free meals
No follow-up
"The effective leadership of the headteacher and deputy headteacher, combined with the support of conscientious staff, fosters pupils' well-being, care and support extremely effectively." Estyn, June 2026
Cwm Ifor Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium192 pupils39.8% free meals
No follow-up
"Cwm Ifor Primary School is a caring and inclusive school where pupils can thrive." Estyn, May 2026
Whiterose Primary
New TredegarPrimaryEnglish-medium225 pupils28.6% free meals
No follow-up
"Leaders at White Rose Primary School have established a nurturing ethos where pupils feel valued and develop a strong sense of belonging." Estyn, March 2026
Heolddu Comprehensive School
CaerphillySecondaryEnglish-medium736 pupils32.4% free meals
No follow-up
"Heolddu Comprehensive School is a caring and inclusive community where most pupils feel safe, valued and supported to succeed." Estyn, March 2026
Abercarn Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium242 pupils14.5% free meals
No follow-up
"Abercarn Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school where positive relationships support pupils’ well-being and engagement in learning." Estyn, March 2026
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Y Castell
CaerphillyPrimaryWelsh-medium419 pupils13.5% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Gymraeg y Castell is a warm and welcoming community where pupils’ wellbeing and progress is central to its work." Estyn, February 2026
Glyn-Gaer CP School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium211 pupils11.7% free meals
No follow-up
"The school’s new leadership team has established a clear and ambitious vision for improvement." Estyn, November 2025
Ysgol Gymraeg Trelyn
BlackwoodPrimaryWelsh-medium212 pupils12.1% free meals
No follow-up
"The staff at Ysgol Trelyn create a warm and welcoming environment." Estyn, November 2026
Greenhill Primary School
HengoedPrimaryEnglish-medium168 pupils45.5% free meals
No follow-up
"Greenhill Primary School provides pupils with a safe and secure environment." Estyn, June 2025
Penllwyn Primary School
BlackwoodPrimaryEnglish-medium139 pupils58.4% free meals
No follow-up
"Penllwyn Primary School creates a warm, nurturing environment where pupils feel safe, respected, and ready to learn." Estyn, June 2025
Blackwood Primary School
BlackwoodPrimaryEnglish-medium360 pupils32.1% free meals
No follow-up
"Blackwood Primary School provides pupils with an exciting and engaging range of learning opportunities that support them to make strong progress in their learning and well-being and develop as ambitious, independent learners." Estyn, June 2025
Waunfawr Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium170 pupils16.3% free meals
No follow-up
"Leaders, governors, staff, and parents at Waunfawr Primary School work collaboratively to foster a strong sense of belonging." Estyn, May 2025
Libanus Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium345 pupils10.3% free meals
No follow-up
"Libanus Primary School provides a warm, friendly, nurturing environment that promotes pupils' personal, social, and emotional development very well." Estyn, March 2025
Tyn - y - Wern Primary
NewportPrimaryEnglish-medium245 pupils28.9% free meals
No follow-up
"Tyn-y-wern is a nurturing and inclusive school, where leaders place high importance on the well-being of pupils and staff." Estyn, March 2025
The Lewis School
BargoedSecondaryEnglish-medium1,295 pupils22.5% free meals
No follow-up
"Lewis School Pengam is a caring and inclusive community." Estyn, February 2025
Maesycwmmer Primary School
HengoedPrimaryEnglish-medium118 pupils14.2% free meals
No follow-up
"Maesycwmmer Primary is a highly inclusive, happy, safe and successful school." Estyn, February 2025
Mynydd Haf School
TrethomasNot recorded
No follow-up
"Most staff at the school have high expectations and build respectful relationships with pupils over time, understanding their additional learning needs (ALN) well." Estyn, December 2024
Hendredenny Park Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium270 pupils7.7% free meals
No follow-up
"Leaders and staff at Hendredenny Park Primary School have high expectations for pupils’ well-being and learning." Estyn, November 2024
Ty Isaf Infants & Nursery School
NewportPrimaryEnglish-medium116 pupils23.8% free meals
No follow-up
"Since her appointment, the headteacher has demonstrated strong leadership, developed effective teamwork and secured a clear focus on improving pupils’ learning and well-being." Estyn, October 2024
Cwmcarn Primary School
CrosskeysPrimaryEnglish-medium211 pupils28.4% free meals
No follow-up
"Cwmcarn Primary School is a happy, inclusive learning community where pupils feel safe and secure." Estyn, September 2024
Wyclif Independent Christian School
CaerphillyNot recorded
No follow-up
"Wyclif Independent Christian School is a nurturing and happy community, whose members feel valued and respected as individuals." Estyn, September 2024
St James Primary
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium247 pupils63.7% free meals
No follow-up
"Since taking up her post, the headteacher has developed a more inclusive ethos that gives pupils a sense of belonging to the school." Estyn, June 2024
Plasyfelin Primary
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium265 pupils28.9% free meals
No follow-up
"Plasyfelin Primary school provides a welcoming, nurturing environment where strong relationships between pupils, staff and parents generate a warm, friendly atmosphere for learning." Estyn, June 2024
Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni
CaerphillySecondaryWelsh-medium1,804 pupils13.1% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni is a homely and caring community where a strong emphasis is placed on supporting pupils’ emotional and social needs." Estyn, May 2024
Twyn Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium410 pupils15.8% free meals
No follow-up
"Twyn Primary School provides an inclusive and nurturing environment." Estyn, May 2024
Cwrt Rawlin Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium360 pupils4.6% free meals
No follow-up
"The headteacher, staff and governors have created a highly inclusive ethos at the school." Estyn, April 2024
Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Allta
HengoedPrimaryWelsh-medium269 pupils2.7% free meals
No follow-up
"Nearly all pupils are extremely proud of their school and that they belong to the Bro Allta family." Estyn, April 2024
Bryn Awel Primary School
RhymneyPrimaryEnglish-medium130 pupils51.9% free meals
No follow-up
"Bryn Awel Primary is a caring school where staff work closely with pupils and their families to develop strong working relationships." Estyn, March 2024
Derwendeg Primary School
HengoedPrimaryEnglish-medium183 pupils32.8% free meals
No follow-up
"Derwendeg Primary School is a caring and inclusive school with a strong sense of community." Estyn, February 2024
Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School
BlackwoodPrimaryEnglish-medium599 pupils14.6% free meals
No follow-up
"Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School is a positive, community focused learning environment where the well-being and safeguarding of pupils and staff is a priority." Estyn, February 2024
Newbridge School
NewportSecondaryEnglish-medium1,037 pupils18.5% free meals
No follow-up
"At Newbridge School, most pupils feel safe and free from bullying or harassment." Estyn, January 2024
Ty Sign Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium411 pupils29.8% free meals
No follow-up
"Ty Sign Primary School provides a welcoming, caring and inclusive environment for its pupils." Estyn, January 2024
Pantside Primary School
NewportPrimaryEnglish-medium206 pupils38.3% free meals
No follow-up
"Pantside Primary is a happy, caring school where all pupils are treated with respect and kindness." Estyn, December 2023
Tiryberth Primary School
HengoedPrimaryEnglish-medium139 pupils19.4% free meals
No follow-up
"Tir-y-berth Primary School provides an inclusive and nurturing environment." Estyn, December 2023
Ysgol Ifor Bach
CaerphillyPrimaryWelsh-medium223 pupils25.9% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Ifor Bach is a successful learning community that celebrates Welshness, courtesy and respect and pupils’ achievements particularly well." Estyn, December 2023
Cwmfelinfach Primary School
YnysdduPrimaryEnglish-medium184 pupils17.1% free meals
No follow-up
"Cwmfelinfach Primary School is federated with Ynysddu Primary School." Estyn, November 2023
Gilfach Fargoed Primary School
BargoedPrimaryEnglish-medium174 pupils24.9% free meals
No follow-up
"This school is part of a federation, characterised by strong leadership, high expectations, good quality classroom provision, and a focus on the well-being of staff and pupils." Estyn, November 2023
Park Primary School Bargoed
BargoedPrimaryEnglish-medium131 pupils58.6% free meals
No follow-up
"This school is part of a federation, characterised by strong leadership, high expectations, good quality classroom provision, and a focus on the well-being of staff and pupils." Estyn, November 2023
Ynysddu Primary School
NewportPrimaryEnglish-medium103 pupils15.4% free meals
No follow-up
"Ynysddu Primary School is federated with Cwmfelinfach Primary School." Estyn, November 2023
Ysgol Gymraeg Cwm Derwen
BlackwoodPrimaryWelsh-medium160 pupils12.6% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Gymraeg Cwm Derwen is an inclusive school that promotes a positive environment and ethos." Estyn, November 2023
Ystrad Mynach Primary
HengoedPrimaryEnglish-medium435 pupils11.2% free meals
No follow-up
Coed-Y-Brain Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium213 pupils23.0% free meals
No follow-up
"Leaders and staff at Coed-y-Brain Primary School work with dedication to create a positive and caring learning community." Estyn, July 2023
Hengoed Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium138 pupils32.6% free meals
No follow-up
"Pupils enjoy learning and are enthusiastic during lessons and in activities around the school." Estyn, June 2023
Machen Primary School
NewportPrimaryEnglish-medium161 pupils4.5% free meals
No follow-up
"Machen Primary is a warm, welcoming school that provides an engaging learning environment that supports all pupils." Estyn, June 2023
St Gwladys Bargoed School
BargoedPrimaryEnglish-medium416 pupils29.7% free meals
No follow-up
"St Gwladys is an inclusive and nurturing school where pupils feel valued and cared for." Estyn, June 2023
Upper Rhymney Primary School
RhymneyPrimaryEnglish-medium124 pupils50.2% free meals
No follow-up
"Upper Rhymney Primary School is a caring and inclusive school, which encourages pupils to learn in a positive atmosphere and to be happy." Estyn, June 2023
Blackwood Comprehensive School
BlackwoodSecondaryEnglish-medium951 pupils22.1% free meals
No follow-up
"Pupils at Blackwood Comprehensive School are friendly, courteous, well-rounded young people who convey strong pride in their school and their personal achievements." Estyn, May 2023
Idris Davies School 3 to 18
RhymneyMiddleEnglish-medium805 pupils36.2% free meals
No follow-up
"Idris Davies School is a highly inclusive, supportive and caring learning environment where staff know their pupils well." Estyn, May 2023
Tynewydd Primary School
NewbridgePrimaryEnglish-medium248 pupils16.4% free meals
No follow-up
"Tynewydd Primary School is in the process of significant change." Estyn, May 2023
St Helen's Catholic Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic228 pupils15.0% free meals
No follow-up
"Pupils enjoy attending St Helen’s Roman Catholic Primary School." Estyn, March 2023
Fleur-De-Lys Primary School
BlackwoodPrimaryEnglish-medium93 pupils16.2% free meals
No follow-up
"Fleur-De-Lys Primary School is part of the Fleur-De-Lys and Pengam Federation." Estyn, February 2023
Pengam Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium194 pupils22.7% free meals
No follow-up
"Pengam Primary School is part of the Fleur-De-Lys and Pengam Federation." Estyn, February 2023
Glanynant Learning Centre (PRU)
CaerphillyNot recorded
No follow-up
"Pupils placed at Glanynant PRU have a range of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties." Estyn, December 2022
Markham Primary School
BlackwoodPrimaryEnglish-medium196 pupils44.9% free meals
No follow-up
"Markham Primary School provides a safe, nurturing and vibrant place for pupils and staff, where pupils are proud to be a part of such a supportive learning community." Estyn, November 2022
Pontllanfraith Primary School
BlackwoodPrimaryEnglish-medium171 pupils25.5% free meals
No follow-up
"Pontllanfraith Primary School provides a caring environment for pupils." Estyn, November 2022
Cefn Fforest Primary School
BlackwoodPrimaryEnglish-medium272 pupils34.7% free meals
No follow-up
"Cefn Fforest Primary School provides a very caring and supportive learning experience for its pupils." Estyn, October 2022
Crumlin High Level Primary School
NewportPrimaryEnglish-medium118 pupils15.4% free meals
No follow-up
"The previous headteacher retired at the end of the last academic year." Estyn, October 2022
Ysgol Y Lawnt
RhymneyPrimaryWelsh-medium198 pupils19.0% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol y Lawnt is a successful learning community that celebrates the progress and achievement of all pupils particularly effectively." Estyn, October 2022
Risca Community Comprehensive School
NewportSecondaryEnglish-medium599 pupils22.3% free meals
No follow-up
"The headteacher and senior leaders provide supportive and compassionate leadership, which has helped to develop a strong sense of teamwork amongst staff." Estyn, September 2022
Aberbargoed Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium207 pupils37.7% free meals
No follow-up
"Aberbargoed Primary School is a highly inclusive school that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, June 2022
Bryn Primary School
BlackwoodPrimaryEnglish-medium201 pupils21.8% free meals
No follow-up
"Leaders and staff at Bryn Primary School work together effectively to create an inclusive, happy and nurturing learning environment." Estyn, June 2022
Ysgol G.G. Caerffili
CaerffiliPrimaryWelsh-medium436 pupils12.2% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Caerffili provides valuable experiences for its pupils." Estyn, February 2022
Bedwas Infant School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium165 pupils18.8% free meals
No follow-up
Cwmaber Infant School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium94 pupils31.5% free meals
No follow-up
Cwmaber Junior School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium115 pupils30.3% free meals
No follow-up
Deri Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium61 pupils20.2% free meals
No follow-up
Fochriw Primary School
BargoedPrimaryEnglish-medium91 pupils40.8% free meals
No follow-up
Graig-Y-Rhacca Primary and Nursery Community School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium90 pupils69.0% free meals
No follow-up
Islwyn High School
BlackwoodSecondaryEnglish-medium1,065 pupils20.5% free meals
No follow-up
Nant Y Parc Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium207 pupils41.8% free meals
No follow-up
Pentwynmawr Primary School
NewbridgePrimaryEnglish-medium123 pupils15.0% free meals
No follow-up
Phillipstown Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium132 pupils59.4% free meals
No follow-up
Risca Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium330 pupils17.1% free meals
No follow-up
St Cenydd School
CaerphillySecondaryEnglish-medium952 pupils29.9% free meals
No follow-up
St Martin's School
CaerphillySecondaryEnglish-medium950 pupils17.7% free meals
No follow-up
Trinant Primary School
CrumlinPrimaryEnglish-medium167 pupils50.2% free meals
No follow-up
Trinity Fields School & Resource Centre
HengoedSpecialNot recorded306 pupils
No follow-up
Y.G. Cwm Gwyddon
NewportPrimaryWelsh-medium292 pupils12.0% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Bro Sannan
BargoedPrimaryWelsh-medium116 pupils33.9% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Gymraeg Gilfach Fargoed
BargoedPrimaryWelsh-medium107 pupils19.6% free meals
No follow-up
Hendre Primary School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-mediumNot available260 pupils28.1% free meals
No report on file
Nelson Primary School
TreharrisPrimaryEnglish-mediumNot available240 pupils
No report on file
Bedwas High School
CaerphillySecondaryEnglish-medium667 pupils28.5% free meals
Significant improvement
"Bedwas High School provides a supportive environment where most pupils feel safe." Estyn, January 2026
Y Cwmpawd Gilfach
BargoedNot recorded
Significant improvement
"Leaders at Y Cwmpawd Gilfach portfolio Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) are working collaboratively to develop a clear vision, which underpins the work of the PRU." Estyn, June 2025
Bedwas Junior School
CaerphillyPrimaryEnglish-medium169 pupils14.8% free meals
Special measures
"Pupils enjoy attending Bedwas Junior School." Estyn, January 2026

Choosing and applying for a school in Caerphilly

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 Caerphilly 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 Caerphilly secondaries take most of their pupils from a named group of primary schools.

Questions parents ask about schools in Caerphilly

How many schools are there in Caerphilly?

Caerphilly has 85 open schools on School Signal, including 69 primary and 10 secondary schools, teaching about 26,045 pupils (school census 2025/26).

Which schools in Caerphilly are in Estyn follow-up?

3 schools are in Estyn follow-up: Bedwas High School (significant improvement), Y Cwmpawd Gilfach (significant improvement), Bedwas Junior 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 Caerphilly?

12 schools in Caerphilly teach mainly through Welsh and 0 teach in both languages - 14% 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 Caerphilly?

No. Wales stopped publishing school league tables and Estyn no longer gives schools an overall grade, so any "top ten" list for Caerphilly 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.