Best schools in Denbighshire: how they compare
Denbighshire has 60 open schools - 44 primary and 6 secondary among them - teaching about 15,768 pupils. 40% teach through Welsh or in both languages, and 2 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 Denbighshire 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
2 of 60 schools are in follow-up; Estyn returns to check their progress.
- No follow-up57 (95%)
- Significant improvement1 (2%)
- Special measures1 (2%)
- No report on file1 (2%)
Source: Estyn inspection reports
Language of teaching
40% Welsh-medium or dual language in Denbighshire, against 30% across Wales.
- Welsh-medium15 (25%)
- Dual language9 (15%)
- English-medium28 (47%)
- Not recorded8 (13%)
Source: Welsh Government school data
Schools by stage in Denbighshire
Click a stage to filter the list below.
- Primary44
- Middle2
- Secondary6
- Special2
Denbighshire against Wales
The typical (median) school in the council, set against the typical school in Wales.
- Pupils eligible for free meals (3-year)
- 18.5%18.6%
- Pupils with additional learning needs
- 5.5%8.1%
- Budget per pupil
- £6,041£5,801
Source: Welsh Government school census 2025/26 and school budgets 2026-27
What the numbers say about schools in Denbighshire
At the typical school in Denbighshire, 18.5% 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. 5.5% of pupils at the typical school have additional learning needs (2.6 points below the Welsh figure). Schools here receive about £6,041 per pupil, £240 above the Welsh figure. Pupil numbers have fallen by 0.3% since 2020/21. The largest school is Prestatyn High School, with 1,550 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 Denbighshire
Schools not in Estyn follow-up first, then the most recently inspected. This is not a ranking by quality.
60 of 60 schools shown
- No follow-up
Ysgol Dewi Sant
DenbighshirePrimaryWelsh-medium409 pupils14.0% free meals
"Leaders promote an inclusive ethos and have established a positive culture that focuses clearly on pupils' well-being and learning." Estyn, May 2026
- No follow-up
Ysgol Betws Gwerful Goch
DenbighshirePrimaryWelsh-medium16 pupils
"Ysgol Betws Gwerful Goch provides an inclusive and Welsh learning community where pupils feel safe, happy and valued." Estyn, May 2026
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bro Elwern
Sir DdinbychPrimaryWelsh-medium68 pupils
"Ysgol Bro Elwern provides an inclusive and Welsh learning community where pupils feel safe, happy and valued." Estyn, May 2026
- No follow-up
Bryn Hedydd C.P. School
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium462 pupils16.7% free meals
"There is a strong sense of enjoyment and belonging throughout the Ysgol Bryn Hedydd school community." Estyn, April 2026
- No follow-up
Rhos Street C.P. School
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium216 pupils12.8% free meals
"Leaders and staff at Rhos Street C.P. School create a calm, kind and inclusive school environment." Estyn, April 2026
- No follow-up
Ysgol Y Llys
DenbighshirePrimaryWelsh-medium359 pupils12.9% free meals
"The school is an inclusive and caring community in which positive working relationships between staff and pupils support a strong sense of respect." Estyn, March 2026
- No follow-up
The Branas School
DenbighshireNot recorded
"Branas School provides a welcoming learning environment where pupils feel safe and supported." Estyn, March 2026
- No follow-up
Fairholme Prep. School
DenbighshireNot recorded
"Fairholme Preparatory School provides an aspirational, nurturing environment built around its vision of “learning, friendship, ambition and discovery.” The school fosters an exceptionally strong sense of belonging, with pupils, parents and staff demonstrating deep loyalty and pride." Estyn, February 2026
- No follow-up
Ysgol Pen Barras
Sir DdinbychPrimaryWelsh-medium291 pupils4.1% free meals
"The school's dedicated leaders and staff provide a Welsh and inclusive learning environment for pupils by embracing the vision, 'Gweithiwn â gwên yn sŵn y Gymraeg’, extremely successfully." Estyn, February 2026
- No follow-up
Ysgol Tir Morfa
DenbighshireSpecialNot recorded114 pupils
"Ysgol Tir Morfa provides a highly supportive and caring learning environment where pupils are known extremely well and helped to make meaningful progress from their individual starting points." Estyn, January 2026
- No follow-up
Ysgol Y Parc Infants
DenbighPrimaryEnglish-medium154 pupils13.4% free meals
"Ysgol y Parc is a welcoming and supportive school where positive relationships between staff and pupils underpin the school’s success." Estyn, October 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Reoledig Llanbedr
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales54 pupils
"Leaders at Ysgol Llanbedr create an inclusive environment where teamwork and pupils’ and staff well-being are a priority." Estyn, September 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Trefnant
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales92 pupils
"Leaders at Ysgol Trefnant create an inclusive environment where teamwork and care for pupils’ and staff well-being are a priority." Estyn, September 2025
- No follow-up
Gellifor C.P. School
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium48 pupils
"Ysgol Gellifor is a warm, friendly and inclusive school where pupils feel happy, safe and valued." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bryn Clwyd
Sir DdinbychPrimaryDual language65 pupils18.5% free meals
"Ysgol Bryn Clwyd is a warm, friendly and inclusive school where pupils feel happy, safe and valued." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Y Faenol
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium150 pupils22.5% free meals
"The headteacher has high expectations of staff and pupils and leads by example." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Myddelton College
DenbighNot recorded
"Myddelton College fosters a nurturing, inclusive culture in which pupils quickly develop a sense of belonging and pride." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bro Cinmeirch
Sir DdinbychPrimaryWelsh-medium97 pupils
"Ysgol Bro Cinmeirch is a happy and friendly community." Estyn, May 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Tremeirchion
Sir DdinbychPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales82 pupils
"Ysgol Tremeirchion is a happy and friendly community with a strong focus on the wellbeing and development of pupils and staff." Estyn, May 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Esgob Morgan C.I.W. Voluntary Controlled Primary School
St AsaphPrimaryDual languageChurch in Wales101 pupils21.9% free meals
"The headteacher provides strong leadership with a clear vision for pupils’ well-being and progress." Estyn, March 2025
- No follow-up
Bodfari C.P. School
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium55 pupils
"The headteacher has a clear vision and high expectations for pupils' learning and well-being." Estyn, November 2024
- No follow-up
Bodnant Community School
PrestatynPrimaryEnglish-medium468 pupils16.3% free meals
"Leaders at Bodnant Community School establish a highly inclusive community where pupils feel happy and safe and develop positive attitudes to learning." Estyn, November 2024
- No follow-up
Ruthin School
DenbighshireNot recorded
"Since the headteacher’s appointment, significant progress has been made in building trust and collaboration among staff, pupils, and parents, fostering a strong belief in the school's vision." Estyn, October 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn
DenbighSpecialNot recorded119 pupils
"Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn is a nurturing school with an inclusive ethos." Estyn, May 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gymraeg Henllan
Sir DdinbychPrimaryWelsh-medium66 pupils19.4% free meals
"The headteacher provides strong and wise leadership which provides a clear direction for the school." Estyn, April 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bryn Collen Llangollen
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium169 pupils10.6% free meals
"The headteacher at Ysgol Bryn Collen provides strong, considerate leadership and knows the school well." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
St Brigid's School
DenbighMiddleEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic489 pupils10.2% free meals
"Many pupils at St Brigid’s School make secure progress in learning and skills, particularly in their oracy." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Reoledig Llanfair D.C.
DenbighshirePrimaryDual languageChurch in Wales128 pupils
"Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd is a happy, familial and welcoming school." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Melyd
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium142 pupils26.1% free meals
"When pupils first join Ysgol Melyd, the majority have communication and social skills that are below the level expected for children of their age and stage of development." Estyn, January 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Hiraddug
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium209 pupils15.6% free meals
"The school provides a warm, nurturing environment that enables all pupils to feel secure and confident." Estyn, November 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy
CorwenPrimaryWelsh-medium117 pupils7.3% free meals
"Ysgol Gynradd Bro Dyfrdwy is a happy and homely school." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Brynhyfryd
DenbighshireSecondaryDual language1,096 pupils8.9% free meals
"Ysgol Brynhyfryd is a caring school that places a priority on pupils’ well-being and academic progress." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Christchurch C.P. School
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium441 pupils52.8% free meals
"Christchurch Community Primary School provides exceptional care for its pupils and their families." Estyn, September 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Emmanuel
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium458 pupils48.0% free meals
"The headteacher, through transformational leadership, has in a relatively short period of time created a highly effective team ethos amongst staff, which is built on positive relationships, trust and collaboration." Estyn, June 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bro Fammau
Nr MoldPrimaryEnglish-medium56 pupils
"Ysgol Bro Famau is a close-knit, inclusive school where everyone has a say in the way things work." Estyn, May 2023
- No follow-up
Prestatyn High School
DenbighshireSecondaryEnglish-medium1,550 pupils23.1% free meals
"Prestatyn High School provides a positive and engaging learning environment where nearly all pupils develop as happy, kind, and respectful individuals." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Pentrecelyn
Sir DdinbychPrimaryWelsh-medium30 pupils
"Ysgol Pentrecelyn is a homely, happy school where pupils and adults work together effectively." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Pendref
DenbighPrimaryEnglish-medium141 pupils55.1% free meals
"Ysgol Pendref is a happy and inclusive community that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Penmorfa
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium379 pupils29.2% free meals
"Ysgol Penmorfa provides a caring and inclusive environment for its pupils, which encourages them to learn, be happy and participate fully in school life." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Caer Drewyn
DenbighshirePrimaryDual language83 pupils34.8% free meals
"Leaders and staff across the Ysgol Caer Drewyn and Ysgol Carrog Federation work well together to provide a stimulating and purposeful learning environment for all pupils." Estyn, November 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Carrog
DenbighshirePrimaryDual language20 pupils
"Leaders and staff across the Ysgol Caer Drewyn and Ysgol Carrog Federation work well together to provide a stimulating and purposeful learning environment for all pupils." Estyn, November 2022
- No follow-up
Borthyn V.C. Primary School
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales97 pupils26.0% free meals
"Borthyn VC Primary School is a happy, hardworking school where leaders and staff have cultivated strong relationships with the community to support pupils to become aspirational and ambitious learners." Estyn, October 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Llywelyn
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium642 pupils25.5% free meals
"Ysgol Llywelyn provides a high level of support, care and guidance for its pupils and staff." Estyn, June 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd
Sir DdinbychSecondaryWelsh-medium1,020 pupils10.1% free meals
"Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd is a caring and inclusive community where pupils’ wellbeing is a key priority." Estyn, May 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Frongoch
DenbighshirePrimaryDual language201 pupils12.4% free meals
"Ysgol Frongoch is a happy, caring school where pupils work and play together confidently." Estyn, March 2022
- No follow-up
Denbigh High School
DenbighshireSecondaryEnglish-medium526 pupils21.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Denbighshire PRU's
DenbighshireNot recorded
- No follow-up
St Asaph V.P. Infants
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales98 pupils27.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Carreg Emlyn
RhuthunPrimaryWelsh-medium65 pupils
- No follow-up
Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium63 pupils18.9% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Clawdd Offa
PrestatynPrimaryEnglish-medium314 pupils33.1% free meals
"Ysgol Clawdd Offa is a calm and safe community for pupils and parents." Estyn
- No follow-up
Ysgol Dinas Bran
DenbighshireSecondaryDual language984 pupils13.8% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Dyffryn Ial
Sir DdinbychPrimaryDual languageChurch in Wales39 pupils
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gymraeg y Gwernant
DenbighshirePrimaryWelsh-medium181 pupils7.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Pant Pastynog
DenbighshirePrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales58 pupils
- No follow-up
Ysgol Twm o'r Nant
DinbychPrimaryWelsh-medium318 pupils4.8% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Y Castell
DenbighshirePrimaryEnglish-medium203 pupils17.2% free meals
- No report on file
Pengwern College
RhuddlanNot recorded
- Significant improvement
Rhyl High School
DenbighshireSecondaryEnglish-medium1,156 pupils29.8% free meals
"Rhyl High School is a caring and inclusive community where staff place a strong emphasis on supporting pupils’ well-being." Estyn, May 2026
- Special measures
Christ the Word School
RhylMiddleEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic809 pupils37.3% free meals
"Staff at Christ the Word Catholic School are committed to creating a caring environment underpinned by its Catholic values." Estyn, May 2022
Choosing and applying for a school in Denbighshire
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 Denbighshire 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 Denbighshire secondaries take most of their pupils from a named group of primary schools.
Questions parents ask about schools in Denbighshire
How many schools are there in Denbighshire?
Denbighshire has 60 open schools on School Signal, including 44 primary and 6 secondary schools, teaching about 15,768 pupils (school census 2025/26).
Which schools in Denbighshire are in Estyn follow-up?
2 schools are in Estyn follow-up: Rhyl High School (significant improvement), Christ the Word 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 Denbighshire?
15 schools in Denbighshire teach mainly through Welsh and 9 teach in both languages - 40% 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 Denbighshire?
No. Wales stopped publishing school league tables and Estyn no longer gives schools an overall grade, so any "top ten" list for Denbighshire 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.