Best schools in Neath Port Talbot: how they compare
Neath Port Talbot has 65 open schools - 53 primary and 5 secondary among them - teaching about 20,062 pupils. 17% teach through Welsh or in both languages, and 7 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 Neath Port Talbot 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
7 of 65 schools are in follow-up; Estyn returns to check their progress.
- No follow-up57 (88%)
- Significant improvement3 (5%)
- Special measures4 (6%)
- No report on file1 (2%)
Source: Estyn inspection reports
Language of teaching
17% Welsh-medium or dual language in Neath Port Talbot, against 30% across Wales.
- Welsh-medium11 (17%)
- English-medium50 (77%)
- Not recorded4 (6%)
Source: Welsh Government school data
Schools by stage in Neath Port Talbot
Click a stage to filter the list below.
- Primary53
- Middle3
- Secondary5
- Special2
Neath Port Talbot against Wales
The typical (median) school in the council, set against the typical school in Wales.
- Pupils eligible for free meals (3-year)
- 25.4%18.6%
- Pupils with additional learning needs
- 13.9%8.1%
- Budget per pupil
- £6,227£5,801
Source: Welsh Government school census 2025/26 and school budgets 2026-27
What the numbers say about schools in Neath Port Talbot
At the typical school in Neath Port Talbot, 25.4% of pupils have been eligible for free school meals over the last three years, 6.8 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. 13.9% of pupils at the typical school have additional learning needs (5.8 points above the Welsh figure). Schools here receive about £6,227 per pupil, £426 above the Welsh figure. Pupil numbers have fallen by 4.5% since 2020/21, which can mean spare places at some schools and pressure on budgets. The largest school is Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur, with 1,591 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 Neath Port Talbot
Schools not in Estyn follow-up first, then the most recently inspected. This is not a ranking by quality.
65 of 65 schools shown
- No follow-up
Tonnau Primary Community School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium207 pupils22.3% free meals
"Tonnau Primary School is a caring, inclusive and welcoming school where pupils feel safe, valued and supported." Estyn, June 2026
- No follow-up
St Joseph's Catholic Infant School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic120 pupils19.8% free meals
"The school is a caring and inclusive community where pupils feel safe, happy and respected." Estyn, May 2026
- No follow-up
Rhydyfro Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium131 pupils35.8% free meals
"Rhydyfro School is a caring and nurturing school where most pupils behave well and are polite and considerate of each other." Estyn, March 2026
- No follow-up
YGG Tyle'r Ynn
Castell NeddPrimaryWelsh-medium299 pupils23.9% free meals
"There is a strong sense of belonging among pupils and staff at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tyle’r Ynn, who work closely together to create a happy and inclusive learning community." Estyn, March 2026
- No follow-up
Cwmtawe Community School
SwanseaSecondaryEnglish-medium994 pupils17.8% free meals
"Cwmtawe Community School is an inclusive and supportive community where most pupils behave well, show respect and engage positively in lessons." Estyn, March 2026
- No follow-up
Catwg Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium220 pupils11.6% free meals
"Pupils at Catwg Primary School benefit from a warm, inclusive environment that promotes their well-being effectively." Estyn, February 2026
- No follow-up
Tywyn Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-medium430 pupils36.0% free meals
"The school is a welcoming, caring and inclusive community where pupils’ well-being is a priority." Estyn, February 2026
- No follow-up
St Joseph's Catholic Junior School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic156 pupils24.3% free meals
"St Joseph’s Catholic Junior School is a warm, welcoming and inclusive school, where each pupil is known and valued." Estyn, November 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tregeles
NeathPrimaryWelsh-mediumNot available72 pupils
"The headteacher has established a welcoming and successful school that places high quality learning and wellbeing at the heart of all activities." Estyn, November 2025
- No follow-up
Llangiwg Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium81 pupils30.9% free meals
"At Llangiwg Primary School, the headteacher Provides effective leadership based on a clear vision that aims to meet the needs of all pupils." Estyn, October 2025
- No follow-up
Baglan Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-medium272 pupils15.5% free meals
"Pupils at Baglan Primary School benefit from a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Alderman Davies CIW Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales232 pupils23.4% free meals
"Alderman Davies CIW School promotes a kind, supportive and nurturing environment successfully." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Llangatwg Community School
NeathSecondaryEnglish-medium779 pupils25.0% free meals
"Llangatwg Community School is a supportive school where staff place a strong emphasis on supporting the well-being of pupils." Estyn, May 2025
- No follow-up
Bryncoch CIW Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales97 pupils
"Bryncoch Church in Wales Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school where staff know the pupils well and provide high levels of care and support." Estyn, October 2024
- No follow-up
Coed Hirwaun Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-medium157 pupils16.2% free meals
"Coed Hirwaun Primary School is an inclusive, caring school where the well-being of all is a priority." Estyn, September 2024
- No follow-up
Godre'rgraig Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium94 pupils29.5% free meals
"Godre’rgraig Primary School is friendly and welcoming and has a strong community feel." Estyn, September 2024
- No follow-up
Awel Y Môr Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-medium340 pupils57.1% free meals
"The headteacher at Awel Y Mor provides strong, considerate leadership and knows the school well." Estyn, July 2024
- No follow-up
Rhos Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium156 pupils15.0% free meals
"Rhos Primary School is an inclusive school, where leaders and staff offer extensive care and support to pupils." Estyn, May 2024
- No follow-up
Crymlyn Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium137 pupils12.5% free meals
"Crymlyn Primary School is a friendly and caring school that supports its pupils and families to feel welcome and valued." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Tarren School
CymmerNot recorded
"Tarren School is a caring environment where all staff are committed to the school and their pupils." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Hendrefelin
NeathSpecialNot recorded175 pupils
"Ysgol Hendrefelin is a happy school where pupils feel valued and safe." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
YGG Castell-nedd
Castell-NeddPrimaryWelsh-medium403 pupils9.9% free meals
"Since being appointed, the acting headteacher of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Castell-nedd has worked diligently with leaders to identify the school’s strengths and areas for improvement." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Sandfields Primary School
AberavonPrimaryEnglish-medium266 pupils59.2% free meals
"The staff in Sandfields Primary School create a warm, friendly, and inclusive environment with the pupils’ well-being at its heart." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Tairgwaith Primary School
AmmanfordPrimaryEnglish-medium91 pupils31.0% free meals
"Tairgwaith Primary School is a happy, inclusive school that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Cilffriw Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium144 pupils32.7% free meals
"Pupils at Cilffriw Primary School enjoy coming to school and are happy and well behaved." Estyn, November 2023
- No follow-up
Gnoll Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium324 pupils33.0% free meals
"Gnoll Primary School is a caring community where pupils feel safe and happy, and make effective progress." Estyn, November 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Maes Y Coed
NeathSpecialNot recorded125 pupils
"Ysgol Maes y Coed is a happy community where pupils feel valued and safe." Estyn, November 2023
- No follow-up
Crynallt Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium393 pupils29.5% free meals
"Most pupils at Crynallt Primary enjoy attending school." Estyn, September 2023
- No follow-up
Blaenbaglan Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-medium255 pupils12.3% free meals
"Blaenbaglan Primary School is a happy, caring and inclusive school, that places high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, June 2023
- No follow-up
St Therese's Catholic Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic223 pupils29.3% free meals
"During her first year, the headteacher has established a vision and aims for the school which centre around developing pupils’ life skills and positive well-being." Estyn, June 2023
- No follow-up
Blaengwrach Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium148 pupils17.8% free meals
"Blaengwrach Primary School is a happy and caring school where the well-being of all is a priority." Estyn, May 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Carreg Hir
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium375 pupils35.6% free meals
"Ysgol Carreg Hir is a very nurturing place for pupils and staff alike." Estyn, January 2023
- No follow-up
YGG Blaendulais
Castell NeddPrimaryWelsh-medium107 pupils15.5% free meals
"Ysgol Gymraeg Blaendulais is a happy, homely and caring school that encourages pupils to take pride in their community, their culture and their Welshness." Estyn, December 2022
- No follow-up
Coedffranc Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium396 pupils29.7% free meals
"When considering the school’s impressive improvements over recent years, the influence that leadership has had should not be underestimated." Estyn, October 2022
- No follow-up
Ynysfach Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium139 pupils23.1% free meals
"Ynysfach Primary School is a warm and vibrant community where pupils and parents feel cared for and welcome." Estyn, October 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Cwm Brombil
Port TalbotMiddleEnglish-medium1,435 pupils24.9% free meals
"Leaders and staff at Ysgol Cwm Brombil have successfully created a caring, inclusive community that ensures that nearly all pupils feel safe in schools and are supported to develop their mental and physical health." Estyn, October 2022
- No follow-up
YGG Rhos-Afan
SandfieldsPrimaryWelsh-medium399 pupils18.4% free meals
"The enthusiastic headteacher and dedicated staff work highly effectively to create a safe haven and an inclusive learning environment for pupils." Estyn, June 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur
YstalyferaMiddleWelsh-medium1,591 pupils13.3% free meals
"Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur is a caring, inclusive Welsh community where effective support meets pupils’ emotional, health and social needs." Estyn, February 2022
- No follow-up
Abbey Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium421 pupils15.9% free meals
- No follow-up
Alltwen Primary School
SwanseaPrimaryEnglish-medium202 pupils13.1% free meals
- No follow-up
Blaendulais Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium93 pupils53.4% free meals
- No follow-up
Blaenhonddan Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium265 pupils8.4% free meals
- No follow-up
Central Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-medium416 pupils25.9% free meals
- No follow-up
Croeserw Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-medium139 pupils64.7% free meals
- No follow-up
Cwmafan Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-medium391 pupils31.5% free meals
- No follow-up
Cwmnedd Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium153 pupils42.0% free meals
- No follow-up
Cymer Afan Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-medium84 pupils38.7% free meals
- No follow-up
Eastern Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-medium129 pupils48.5% free meals
- No follow-up
Glyncorrwg Primary School
Port TalbotPrimaryEnglish-medium94 pupils43.6% free meals
- No follow-up
Pen Afan Primary
BlaengwynfiPrimaryEnglish-medium94 pupils35.5% free meals
- No follow-up
Waunceirch Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium182 pupils35.3% free meals
- No follow-up
YGG Cwm Nedd
NeathPrimaryWelsh-medium148 pupils19.6% free meals
"The school is a safe, homely, happy and caring place, where staff and pupils work together effectively and show respect for each other." Estyn
- No follow-up
YGG Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen
AmmanfordPrimaryWelsh-medium157 pupils30.5% free meals
- No follow-up
YGG Pontardawe
AbertawePrimaryWelsh-medium341 pupils15.1% free meals
"Staff at Ysgol Gynradd Pontardawe work together effectively to provide valuable experiences that enrich pupils’ knowledge and understanding of their local area." Estyn
- No follow-up
YGGD Cwmllynfell
SwanseaPrimaryWelsh-medium57 pupils16.0% free meals
- No follow-up
YGGD Trebannws
SwanseaPrimaryWelsh-medium92 pupils19.9% free meals
- No follow-up
Ysgol Bae Baglan
Port TalbotMiddleEnglish-medium1,340 pupils30.9% free meals
- No report on file
Groes Primary School
Port TalbotNot recorded
- Significant improvement
Dwr Y Felin Comprehensive School
NeathSecondaryEnglish-medium1,106 pupils16.4% free meals
"Dŵr y Felin Comprehensive School is a caring and supportive community where staff know pupils and their families well." Estyn, May 2026
- Significant improvement
St Joseph's RC School and 6th Form Centre
Port TalbotSecondaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic822 pupils31.5% free meals
"St Joseph’s Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre is a welcoming and inclusive community where the Catholic ethos strongly underpins school life." Estyn, January 2026
- Significant improvement
Melin Primary
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium248 pupils41.9% free meals
"Melin Primary is a welcoming, inclusive school where pupils feel safe and supported." Estyn, June 2025
- Special measures
Creunant Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium95 pupils10.1% free meals
"Nearly all pupils at Creunant Primary School are well-behaved, polite and show respect to each other." Estyn, January 2025
- Special measures
Maesmarchog Community Primary School
NeathPrimaryEnglish-medium77 pupils32.7% free meals
"Maesmarchog Primary School is an inclusive and caring school." Estyn, January 2024
- Special measures
Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School
NeathSecondaryEnglish-medium848 pupils25.4% free meals
"Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School is a caring school where staff know pupils well and make them feel valued and safe." Estyn, March 2023
- Special measures
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School (Neath)
NeathPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic105 pupils35.6% free meals
"St Joseph’s R.C. Primary School provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and secure." Estyn, March 2023
Choosing and applying for a school in Neath Port Talbot
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 Neath Port Talbot 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 Neath Port Talbot secondaries take most of their pupils from a named group of primary schools.
Questions parents ask about schools in Neath Port Talbot
How many schools are there in Neath Port Talbot?
Neath Port Talbot has 65 open schools on School Signal, including 53 primary and 5 secondary schools, teaching about 20,062 pupils (school census 2025/26).
Which schools in Neath Port Talbot are in Estyn follow-up?
7 schools are in Estyn follow-up: Dwr Y Felin Comprehensive School (significant improvement), St Joseph's RC School and 6th Form Centre (significant improvement), Melin Primary (significant improvement), Creunant Primary School (special measures), Maesmarchog Community Primary School (special measures), Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School (special measures) and others. 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 Neath Port Talbot?
11 schools in Neath Port Talbot teach mainly through Welsh and 0 teach in both languages - 17% 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 Neath Port Talbot?
No. Wales stopped publishing school league tables and Estyn no longer gives schools an overall grade, so any "top ten" list for Neath Port Talbot 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.