Best schools in Gwynedd: how they compare

Gwynedd has 100 open schools - 77 primary and 12 secondary among them - teaching about 16,150 pupils. 91% 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 Gwynedd 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 100 schools are in follow-up; Estyn returns to check their progress.

No follow-up92 (92%)
Special measures2 (2%)
No report on file6 (6%)

Source: Estyn inspection reports

Language of teaching

91% Welsh-medium or dual language in Gwynedd, against 30% across Wales.

Welsh-medium88 (88%)
Dual language3 (3%)
Not recorded9 (9%)

Source: Welsh Government school data

Schools by stage in Gwynedd

Click a stage to filter the list below.

Primary77
Middle2
Secondary12
Special2

Gwynedd against Wales

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

GwyneddWales

Pupils eligible for free meals (3-year): 12.3%
18.6%
Pupils with additional learning needs: 13.7%
8.1%
Budget per pupil: £6,381
£5,801

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

What the numbers say about schools in Gwynedd

At the typical school in Gwynedd, 12.3% of pupils have been eligible for free school meals over the last three years, 6.3 points below 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. 13.7% of pupils at the typical school have additional learning needs (5.6 points above the Welsh figure). Schools here receive about £6,381 per pupil, £580 above the Welsh figure. Pupil numbers have fallen by 4.7% since 2020/21, which can mean spare places at some schools and pressure on budgets. The largest school is Ysgol Friars, with 1,261 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 Gwynedd

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

100 of 100 schools shown

Ysgol Gynradd Maesincla
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales301 pupils41.4% free meals
No follow-up
"Positive relationships between staff and pupils are a strong feature of the school and contribute effectively to creating an inclusive, caring and happy community." Estyn, June 2026
Ysgol Bro Llifon
CaernarfonPrimaryWelsh-medium149 pupils5.9% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Bro Llifon is a caring and inclusive learning community in which respect, kindness and wellbeing are at the heart of the school’s life." Estyn, May 2026
Ysgol Gynradd Llanbedr
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium46 pupils
No follow-up
"The school is a caring community where pupils feel safe and happy." Estyn, April 2026
Ysgol Y Moelwyn
GwyneddSecondaryWelsh-medium351 pupils17.1% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol y Moelwyn is a warm, caring and inclusive community where secure relationships between staff and pupils are at the heart of its success." Estyn, April 2026
Ysgol Hafod Lon
GwyneddSpecialNot recorded116 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Hafod Lon is a lively, caring and welcoming community where pupils respond very positively to the school’s inclusive and supportive ethos." Estyn, March 2026
Ysgol Pentreuchaf
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium93 pupils9.5% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Pentreuchaf is a homely and inclusive learning community that fosters the wellbeing of pupils and staff successfully." Estyn, March 2026
Ysgol Dolbadarn
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium124 pupils4.7% free meals
No follow-up
"The headteacher is a strong leader who inspires others successfully." Estyn, February 2026
Ysgol Friars
GwyneddSecondaryDual language1,261 pupils12.2% free meals
No follow-up
"Following an extremely difficult period, Ysgol Friars has seen significant changes in leadership and governance." Estyn, February 2026
Ysgol Sarn Bach
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium24 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Sarn Bach is a caring community in which pupils' wellbeing and their learning experiences are at the heart of provision." Estyn, February 2026
Ysgol Llanystumdwy
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales28 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Llanystumdwy provides a friendly learning environment where pupils, staff and parents feel part of a close-knit community." Estyn, January 2026
Ysgol Bro Hedd Wyn
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium60 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Bro Hedd Wyn is an inclusive, caring and close-knit learning community where pupils feel safe and ready to learn." Estyn, November 2025
Ysgol Ein Harglwyddes
GwyneddPrimaryDual languageRoman Catholic159 pupils13.2% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Ein Harglwyddes is an inclusive community, which places a strong emphasis on pupils' well-being and personal development." Estyn, November 2025
Ysgol Brynaerau
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium54 pupils16.2% free meals
No follow-up
"The Talaerau federation, which includes Ysgol Talysarn and Ysgol Brynaerau, is a warm and caring community in which pupils’ wellbeing and progress is at the core of its ethos." Estyn, November 2025
Ysgol Gynradd Talysarn
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium98 pupils21.5% free meals
No follow-up
"The Talaerau federation, which includes Ysgol Talysarn and Ysgol Brynaerau, is a warm and caring community in which pupils’ wellbeing and progress is at the core of its ethos." Estyn, November 2026
Aran Hall School
GwyneddNot recorded
No follow-up
"Aran Hall School provides a calm, supportive environment where nearly all pupils feel safe, valued and respected." Estyn, November 2025
Ysgol Eifion Wyn
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium234 pupils10.6% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Eifion Wyn is a supportive and inclusive community that places a robust emphasis on pupils' well-being and progress." Estyn, October 2025
Ysgol Gynradd Llanllyfni
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium71 pupils15.8% free meals
No follow-up
"The school is an inclusive learning community that fosters the values of Welshness, courtesy and respect successfully, by supporting pupils to achieve well." Estyn, October 2025
Ysgol Abercaseg
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium67 pupils34.1% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Abercaseg provides a stimulating curriculum that prioritises pupils' development as proud, responsible and ambitious citizens." Estyn, June 2025
Ysgol Gynradd Bontnewydd
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium204 pupils3.8% free meals
No follow-up
"Pupils, staff and parents take pride in the school’s Welsh, inclusive and familial ethos." Estyn, May 2025
Ysgol Y Gelli
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium208 pupils5.0% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Y Gelli is a caring, inclusive and familial community in which leaders have developed a clear vision to create a happy learning environment." Estyn, May 2025
Ysgol Bodfeurig
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium60 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Bodfeurig is a happy and welcoming community where pupils and staff treat each other with care and kindness." Estyn, March 2025
Ysgol Maenofferen
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium216 pupils18.1% free meals
No follow-up
"The firm leadership of the headteacher, along with the school’s conscientious staff, fosters pupils’ well-being, care and support effectively." Estyn, March 2025
Ysgol Gynradd Penybryn
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium233 pupils9.4% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Penybryn is an inclusive community with a strong emphasis on the well-being and development of pupils, staff and the wider community." Estyn, March 2025
St Gerards School Trust
GwyneddNot recorded
No follow-up
"St Gerard’s School is a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils, staff, and parents share a common goal of promoting learning, wellbeing, and ambition." Estyn, March 2025
Ysgol Gynradd Rhiwlas
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium37 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Rhiwlas is a warm and supportive community where staff plan effectively to provide a broad curriculum that ensures meaningful learning experiences for pupils." Estyn, February 2025
Ysgol Glan y Mor
GwyneddSecondaryWelsh-medium451 pupils12.0% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Glan y Môr is a caring community that places an emphasis on fostering a sense of community and supporting the well-being of pupils and staff." Estyn, December 2024
Ysgol Treferthyr
CricciethPrimaryWelsh-medium125 pupils11.4% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Treferthyr is a successful learning community that celebrates pupils' Welshness, courtesy, respect and achievement extremely well." Estyn, November 2024
Ysgol Borthygest
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium35 pupils
No follow-up
"The headteacher’s strong leadership, along with the enthusiastic staff, provide an exciting curriculum for pupils and establish extremely attractive learning environments for them." Estyn, November 2024
Ysgol O.M. Edwards
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium71 pupils
No follow-up
"The headteacher’s strong leadership, together with the school’s conscientious staff, foster well-being, care and support for pupils effectively." Estyn, October 2024
Ysgol Craig y Deryn
LlanegrynPrimaryWelsh-medium99 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Craig y Deryn is a happy and hard-working community where most pupils make sound progress." Estyn, July 2024
Ysgol Cae Top
BangorPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales238 pupils16.2% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Cae Top is a happy and homely place for pupils, staff and visitors." Estyn, June 2024
Ysgol Gynradd Llanllechid
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium243 pupils13.0% free meals
No follow-up
"The headteacher is an inspirational leader who fosters respect and appreciation among all stakeholders of Ysgol Llanllechid." Estyn, May 2024
Ysgol Y Manod
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium91 pupils12.1% free meals
No follow-up
"One of the notable qualities of Ysgol Y Manod is its caring and homely feel." Estyn, May 2024
Ysgol Edmwnd Prys
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium12 pupils
No follow-up
"Very recently, Ysgol Edmwnd Prys has merged formally in a federation with Ysgol Tanygrisiau and Ysgol Bro Cynfal." Estyn, April 2024
Ysgol Gynradd Tanygrisiau
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium29 pupils28.9% free meals
No follow-up
"Very recently, Ysgol Tanygrisiau has merged formally in a federation with Ysgol Bro Cynfal and Ysgol Edmwnd Prys." Estyn, April 2024
Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen
GwyneddSecondaryWelsh-medium822 pupils15.0% free meals
No follow-up
"Pupils at Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen are welcoming and warm, engage enthusiastically with visitors and are proud members of their local community." Estyn, April 2024
Ysgol Waunfawr
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium117 pupils10.7% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Gynradd Waunfawr is a happy, familial and welcoming school." Estyn, April 2024
Ysgol Gynradd Llanbedrog
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium92 pupils
No follow-up
"Nearly all pupils enjoy their time at the school, which is friendly, caring and supportive." Estyn, March 2024
Ysgol Pont Y Gof
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales103 pupils8.9% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Pont Y Gof is a close-knit community that celebrates Welshness, courtesy and respect exceptionally well." Estyn, March 2024
Ysgol Foel Gron
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales22 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Foel Gron is a caring and inclusive community that gives a clear priority to pupils’ well-being and learning." Estyn, March 2024
Ysgol Gynradd Garndolbenmaen
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium13 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Garndolbenmaen is a caring and inclusive school that nurtures well-being and supports pupils’ learning successfully." Estyn, February 2024
Ysgol Bro Tryweryn
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium59 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Bro Tryweryn is part of the Cysgod y Foel federation." Estyn, January 2024
Ysgol Ffridd y LLyn
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium41 pupils15.3% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Ffridd y Llyn is part of the Cysgod y Foel federation." Estyn, January 2024
Ysgol Gynradd Beddgelert
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium24 pupils
No follow-up
"Most pupils enjoy their time at this inclusive and homely school, which promotes their well-being effectively." Estyn, November 2023
Ysgol Gynradd Hirael
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium171 pupils24.4% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Hirael is an inclusive and supportive community that promotes a caring ethos successfully." Estyn, November 2023
Ysgol Gynradd Nefyn
PwllheliPrimaryWelsh-medium125 pupils10.6% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Nefyn is a happy, caring and homely community." Estyn, November 2023
Ysgol Llanrug
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium260 pupils6.8% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Llanrug is situated in one of the most Welsh-speaking parts of Wales and, as a result, pupils develop to become natural, rich Welsh speakers." Estyn, November 2023
Ysgol Morfa Nefyn
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium20 pupils
No follow-up
Ysgol Godre'r Berwyn
BalaMiddleWelsh-medium564 pupils7.5% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn is a caring community in which most pupils feel safe and valued." Estyn, October 2023
Ysgol Pendalar
GwyneddSpecialNot recorded115 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Pendalar is a close-knit and friendly community where staff and pupils work together happily and positively." Estyn, October 2023
Ysgol Gynradd Y Felinheli
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium150 pupils4.5% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol y Felinheli is a caring and welcoming community that provides beneficial opportunities for pupils to learn about their area, culture and heritage in addition to the wider world." Estyn, June 2023
Ysgol y Traeth
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium186 pupils19.3% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol y Traeth is passionate about developing, assisting and supporting its learners to succeed in a safe environment that respects everyone." Estyn, June 2023
Ysgol Bro Plenydd
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium90 pupils10.8% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Bro Plenydd is a successful learning community that celebrates Welshness, courtesy and respect and pupils’ achievement exceptionally well." Estyn, May 2023
Ysgol Yr Eifl
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium39 pupils27.0% free meals
No follow-up
"The warm and family ethos of Ysgol yr Eifl is situated a short distance from Trefor beach and in the shadow of the mountains." Estyn, May 2023
Ysgol Bro Lleu
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium189 pupils15.0% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Bro Lleu is a happy, friendly and inclusive school that places a strong emphasis on respecting all members of its community." Estyn, April 2023
Ysgol Gynradd Dyffryn Ardudwy
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium59 pupils14.2% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Dyffryn Ardudwy is a happy and welcoming school that prioritises the well-being of pupils and staff well." Estyn, March 2023
Ysgol Crud Y Werin
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium50 pupils
No follow-up
"The headteacher and staff place a particular emphasis on pupils’ well-being as they aim to achieve the school’s motto of supporting pupils ‘O’r crud i’r byd’ (‘From the cradle to the world’)." Estyn, January 2023
Ysgol Y Gorlan
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium111 pupils9.9% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol y Gorlan is a happy, caring and family community." Estyn, January 2023
Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle
GwyneddSecondaryWelsh-medium419 pupils12.3% free meals
No follow-up
"Following a challenging period in the school’s history, the headteacher’s strong leadership, with the support of the governors and her management team, has ensured a number of important improvements." Estyn, November 2022
Y.G. Rhostryfan
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium77 pupils12.3% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Rhostryfan is a kind and homely community." Estyn, September 2022
Ysgol Gynradd Chwilog
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium88 pupils
No follow-up
"Ysgol Gynradd Chwilog is a happy and homely school." Estyn, May 2022
Ysgol Tanycastell
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium73 pupils8.8% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Gynradd Tanycastell is a happy and homely school." Estyn, May 2022
Teresa House
PwllheliNot recorded
No follow-up
Ysgol Ardudwy
GwyneddSecondaryWelsh-medium335 pupils11.4% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Baladeulyn
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium8 pupils
No follow-up
Ysgol Botwnnog
GwyneddSecondaryWelsh-medium469 pupils10.1% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Bro Idris
DolgellauMiddleWelsh-medium528 pupils10.4% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Brynrefail
GwyneddSecondaryWelsh-medium743 pupils9.7% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Cefn Coch
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium148 pupils10.3% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen Bethesda
GwyneddSecondaryWelsh-medium429 pupils15.9% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Eifionydd
GwyneddSecondaryWelsh-medium367 pupils9.7% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Glancegin
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium215 pupils43.6% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Gwaun Gynfi
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium119 pupils24.1% free meals
No follow-up
"Ysgol Gynradd Gwaun Gynfi is a welcoming and inclusive community that places a high priority on its pupils’ well-being." Estyn
Ysgol Gymuned Penisarwaun
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium32 pupils
No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Abererch
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium73 pupils10.3% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Bethel
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium159 pupils6.6% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Dyffryn Dulas
PowysPrimaryWelsh-medium37 pupils
No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Edern
PwllheliPrimaryWelsh-medium79 pupils10.6% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Llandwrog
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales43 pupils
No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Llangybi
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium23 pupils
No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Nebo
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium12 pupils
No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Pennal
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium32 pupils
No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Rhosgadfan
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium36 pupils31.0% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Tudweiliog
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium53 pupils
No follow-up
Ysgol Pen-y-bryn
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium98 pupils21.8% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Talsarnau
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium20 pupils
No follow-up
Ysgol Tregarth
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales123 pupils12.9% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Tryfan
GwyneddSecondaryWelsh-medium536 pupils13.3% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn
GwyneddSecondaryDual language373 pupils13.3% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Y Faenol
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales223 pupils10.5% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Y Garnedd
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium410 pupils13.2% free meals
No follow-up
Ysgol Yr Hendre
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium354 pupils27.1% free meals
No follow-up
Bangor Independent School
BangorNot recorded
No report on file
Llechan Lân Centres
Blaenau FfestiniogNot recorded
No report on file
Ysgol Bro Cynfal
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium50 pupils
No report on file
Ysgol Cymerau
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-medium244 pupils15.2% free meals
No report on file
Ysgol Gynradd Abersoch
GwyneddNot recorded
No report on file
Ysgol Gynradd Llanaelhaearn
GwyneddNot recorded
No report on file
Ysgol Santes Helen
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-mediumRoman Catholic37 pupils31.2% free meals
Special measures
"Ysgol Santes Helen is an inclusive and caring school in which pupils' wellbeing is central to its daily work." Estyn, January 2026
Ysgol Llandygai
GwyneddPrimaryWelsh-mediumChurch in Wales75 pupils18.0% free meals
Special measures
"Ysgol Llandygai is a homely community and pupils have positive attitudes to learning." Estyn, November 2025

Choosing and applying for a school in Gwynedd

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

Questions parents ask about schools in Gwynedd

How many schools are there in Gwynedd?

Gwynedd has 100 open schools on School Signal, including 77 primary and 12 secondary schools, teaching about 16,150 pupils (school census 2025/26).

Which schools in Gwynedd are in Estyn follow-up?

2 schools are in Estyn follow-up: Ysgol Santes Helen (special measures), Ysgol Llandygai (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 Gwynedd?

88 schools in Gwynedd teach mainly through Welsh and 3 teach in both languages - 91% 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 Gwynedd?

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