Best schools in Conwy: how they compare
Conwy has 61 open schools - 46 primary and 7 secondary among them - teaching about 14,006 pupils. 57% teach through Welsh or in both languages, and 4 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 Conwy 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
4 of 61 schools are in follow-up; Estyn returns to check their progress.
- No follow-up52 (85%)
- Significant improvement2 (3%)
- Special measures2 (3%)
- No report on file5 (8%)
Source: Estyn inspection reports
Language of teaching
57% Welsh-medium or dual language in Conwy, against 30% across Wales.
- Welsh-medium21 (34%)
- Dual language14 (23%)
- English-medium18 (30%)
- Not recorded8 (13%)
Source: Welsh Government school data
Schools by stage in Conwy
Click a stage to filter the list below.
- Primary46
- Secondary7
- Special1
Conwy against Wales
The typical (median) school in the council, set against the typical school in Wales.
- Pupils eligible for free meals (3-year)
- 17.8%18.6%
- Pupils with additional learning needs
- 9.6%8.1%
- Budget per pupil
- £5,343£5,801
Source: Welsh Government school census 2025/26 and school budgets 2026-27
What the numbers say about schools in Conwy
At the typical school in Conwy, 17.8% of pupils have been eligible for free school meals over the last three years, close to 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. 9.6% of pupils at the typical school have additional learning needs (1.5 points above the Welsh figure). Schools here receive about £5,343 per pupil, £458 below the Welsh figure. Pupil numbers have fallen by 3.4% since 2020/21, which can mean spare places at some schools and pressure on budgets. The largest school is Eirias High School, with 1,187 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 Conwy
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
Ysgol T. Gwynn Jones
Colwyn BayPrimaryEnglish-medium162 pupils23.2% free meals
"The headteacher, leaders, governors and staff work together effectively and enthusiastically with the aim of helping pupils to achieve the best possible outcomes." Estyn, June 2026
- No follow-up
St George Controlled Primary School
ConwyPrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales72 pupils19.1% free meals
"St George Controlled Primary School provides a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel secure, valued and ready to learn." Estyn, March 2026
- No follow-up
Ysgol Porth y Felin
ConwyPrimaryDual languageChurch in Wales287 pupils16.2% free meals
"Ysgol Porth y Felin is a caring school that places a high priority on the wellbeing and development of all pupils." Estyn, February 2026
- No follow-up
Ysgol Nant Y Groes
Colwyn BayPrimaryEnglish-medium225 pupils44.8% free meals
"Ysgol Nant y Groes is a welcoming and inclusive school where leaders and staff create a caring and supportive environment for pupils." Estyn, February 2026
- No follow-up
Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn
ConwyPrimaryDual language167 pupils37.4% free meals
"Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn is a happy and inclusive school where pupils feel safe, respected and well supported by staff." Estyn, November 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bodafon
ConwyPrimaryDual languageChurch in Wales77 pupils
"Ysgol Bodafon Church in Wales School is a warm and inclusive community where pupils feel safe, happy and respected." Estyn, November 2025
- No follow-up
St David's College
ConwyNot recorded
"Pupils feel respected and valued at St David’s College." Estyn, September 2025
- No follow-up
Blessed William Davies School
ConwyPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic117 pupils16.3% free meals
"Blessed William Davies Primary School provides a caring and inclusive environment that celebrates the diverse nature of the school community well." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bro Gwydir
LlanrwstPrimaryWelsh-medium315 pupils14.4% free meals
"Ysgol Bro Gwydir is an inclusive community that places a strong emphasis on pupils' learning, wellbeing and personal development." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Talhaiarn
ConwyPrimaryDual language37 pupils37.4% free meals
"Ysgol Llanfair Talhaiarn is an inclusive, happy and welcoming learning community that places a high priority on pupils’ health and wellbeing." Estyn, May 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Llangelynnin
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales85 pupils
"The firm leadership of the headteacher, along with the school’s conscientious staff, nurture pupils’ well-being, care and Welshness effectively." Estyn, February 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Craig Y Don
ConwyPrimaryDual language293 pupils18.1% free meals
"Ysgol Craig Y Don is a caring learning environment where staff and pupils show high levels of respect towards one other." Estyn, February 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Y Gogarth
LlandudnoSpecialNot recorded272 pupils
"Ysgol Y Gogarth has recently faced some significant and unexpected challenges." Estyn, October 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Glan Conwy
ConwyPrimaryDual language108 pupils16.1% free meals
"Ysgol Glan Conwy is a happy and supportive community that promotes a caring ethos successfully." Estyn, September 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol San Sior
ConwyPrimaryDual languageChurch in Wales231 pupils6.4% free meals
"Ysgol San Sior is a happy and caring community." Estyn, September 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Dyffryn yr Enfys
DolgarrogPrimaryWelsh-medium100 pupils18.1% free meals
"Leaders at Ysgol Dyffryn yr Enfys have established a robust vision and ethos based on providing stimulating and rich learning experiences that encourage pupils to thrive and become immersed in their learning." Estyn, April 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bryn Elian
ConwySecondaryEnglish-medium933 pupils20.5% free meals
"Ysgol Bryn Elian is a caring and inclusive school where pupils feel safe, and staff feel valued." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Morfa Rhiannedd
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-medium159 pupils30.0% free meals
"Ysgol Morfa Rhianedd is a supportive community that promotes a caring ethos successfully." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Cerrigydrudion
CorwenPrimaryWelsh-medium88 pupils8.4% free meals
"Ysgol Gynradd Cerrigydrudion is an inclusive and supportive community that promotes a caring ethos extremely successfully." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Y Creuddyn
LlandudnoSecondaryWelsh-medium700 pupils9.6% free meals
"Main evaluation Ysgol y Creuddyn is a homely school where the well-being and individual needs of all pupils are at the heart of its work." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bro Aled, Llansannan
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-medium71 pupils
"Ysgol Bro Aled is an inclusive and friendly school that promotes a caring ethos successfully." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bod Alaw
Colwyn BayPrimaryWelsh-medium332 pupils9.3% free meals
"The extremely caring, friendly and supportive ethos that is a prominent feature of provision at Ysgol Bod Alaw permeates all aspects of its work." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Penmachno
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-medium33 pupils
"Ysgol Penmachno is a familial, inclusive and caring learning community where all pupils are nurtured and encouraged to ‘Grow and learn together’." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol John Bright
LlandudnoSecondaryEnglish-medium1,065 pupils17.7% free meals
"Ysgol John Bright is a supportive community of learning where leaders and staff encourage all learners to reach both their academic potential and personal goals." Estyn, November 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Pentrefoelas
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-medium46 pupils
"Ysgol Pentrefoelas is a close-knit community that celebrates Welshness, courtesy and respect exceptionally well." Estyn, November 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Glan Morfa
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-medium254 pupils16.5% free meals
"Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Glan Morfa is a happy and homely community where pupils and staff work together effectively." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Bro Cernyw
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-medium109 pupils
"The school’s robust leadership and conscientious staff nurture pupils’ well-being, care and support highly effectively." Estyn, September 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Tudno
LlandudnoPrimaryDual language171 pupils23.9% free meals
"Ysgol Tudno is a caring community where pupils work and play together confidently." Estyn, June 2023
- No follow-up
Canolfan Addysg Nant-y-Bryniau Education Centre
AbergeleNot recorded
"Canolfan Addysg Nant-y- Bryniau is an outstanding educational provision for pupils who have significant severe and complex mental health needs." Estyn, May 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Llanddulas Controlled
ConwyPrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales132 pupils17.5% free meals
"Ysgol Llanddulas is a friendly, welcoming community with clear values and a strong ethos." Estyn, May 2023
- No follow-up
Old Colwyn Junior C.P. School
ConwyPrimaryEnglish-medium200 pupils23.4% free meals
"Ysgol Iau Hen Golwyn is a close knit, supportive and caring community where pupils feel happy and safe." Estyn, January 2023
- No follow-up
Eirias High School
Colwyn BaySecondaryEnglish-medium1,187 pupils17.2% free meals
"Ysgol Eirias is a caring and inclusive community which provides a welcoming environment for pupils, staff and visitors." Estyn, November 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Eglwysbach
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales52 pupils
"Ysgol Eglwysbach is a safe, happy and caring community and pupils make sound progress in their skills." Estyn, November 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Pant-Y-Rhedyn
ConwyPrimaryDual language118 pupils16.1% free meals
"Ysgol Pant-Y-Rhedyn is a caring and inclusive learning environment." Estyn, October 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Babanod Llanfairfechan
ConwyPrimaryDual languageChurch in Wales107 pupils21.6% free meals
"Pupils enjoy their time at Ysgol Babanod Llanfairfechan very much." Estyn, June 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Pen Y Bryn
Colwyn BayPrimaryEnglish-medium439 pupils7.6% free meals
"Pupils at Ysgol Pen y Bryn primary enjoy coming to school and make strong progress in their academic and social skills." Estyn, June 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Emrys Ap Iwan
ConwySecondaryEnglish-medium933 pupils28.1% free meals
"Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan offers pupils a wide range of opportunities to experience learning within the school day and beyond, particularly at Key Stage 4 and in the sixth form." Estyn, May 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Y Plas
ConwyPrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales80 pupils16.8% free meals
"Pupils at Ysgol Y Plas show high levels of kindness and consideration for each other." Estyn, May 2022
- No follow-up
Conwy Education Centre
Colwyn BayNot recorded
"Pupils at Canolfan Addysg Conwy have a wide range of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties." Estyn, February 2022
- No follow-up
Betws Yn Rhos Primary School
AbergelePrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales64 pupils
- No follow-up
Llandrillo Yn Rhos Primary School
Colwyn BayPrimaryEnglish-medium404 pupils12.9% free meals
- No follow-up
Rydal Penrhos
Colwyn BayNot recorded
- No follow-up
Ysgol Awel y Mynydd
ConwyPrimaryDual language414 pupils19.5% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Betws-y-Coed
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-medium15 pupils
- No follow-up
Ysgol Capel Garmon
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-medium19 pupils
- No follow-up
Ysgol Capelulo
ConwyPrimaryDual language115 pupils11.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Deganwy
ConwyPrimaryDual language342 pupils13.9% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Dolwyddelan
DolwyddelanPrimaryWelsh-medium20 pupils
- No follow-up
Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy
LlanrwstSecondaryWelsh-medium610 pupils12.6% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Glanwydden
ConwyPrimaryDual language302 pupils4.2% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Llanddoged
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales47 pupils18.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Pencae
PenmaenmawrPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales179 pupils21.7% free meals
- No report on file
Ysgol Awel y Môr
TowynNot recorded
- No report on file
Ysgol Dolgarrog
ConwyNot recorded
- No report on file
Ysgol Gynradd Cynfran
ConwyPrimaryEnglish-medium139 pupils26.1% free meals
- No report on file
Ysgol Minafon 3-11 Community School
Bae ColwynPrimaryEnglish-mediumNot available95 pupils40.1% free meals
- No report on file
Ysgol Tan y Gopa
AbergeleNot recorded
- Significant improvement
St Joseph's R.C. Primary School
Colwyn BayPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic234 pupils25.6% free meals
"Leaders, staff and governors ensure that St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is a welcoming and caring environment through their clear commitment to high levels of inclusion and well-being." Estyn, June 2026
- Significant improvement
Ysgol Swn Y Don
Colwyn BayPrimaryEnglish-medium111 pupils62.4% free meals
"Leaders and staff create a caring and inclusive ethos where pupils’ well-being is at the heart of their work." Estyn, February 2026
- Special measures
Ysgol Aberconwy
ConwySecondaryEnglish-medium1,124 pupils17.8% free meals
"Leaders and staff in Ysgol Aberconwy prioritise support and care for their pupils." Estyn, October 2025
- Special measures
Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan
ConwyPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales15 pupils
"A friendly and warm ethos is a strong feature of Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan, where pupils, staff and parents take pride in the school’s homely environment." Estyn, November 2024
Choosing and applying for a school in Conwy
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 Conwy 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 Conwy secondaries take most of their pupils from a named group of primary schools.
Questions parents ask about schools in Conwy
How many schools are there in Conwy?
Conwy has 61 open schools on School Signal, including 46 primary and 7 secondary schools, teaching about 14,006 pupils (school census 2025/26).
Which schools in Conwy are in Estyn follow-up?
4 schools are in Estyn follow-up: St Joseph's R.C. Primary School (significant improvement), Ysgol Swn Y Don (significant improvement), Ysgol Aberconwy (special measures), Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan (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 Conwy?
21 schools in Conwy teach mainly through Welsh and 14 teach in both languages - 57% 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 Conwy?
No. Wales stopped publishing school league tables and Estyn no longer gives schools an overall grade, so any "top ten" list for Conwy 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.