Best schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf: how they compare
Rhondda Cynon Taf has 111 open schools - 86 primary and 10 secondary among them - teaching about 36,478 pupils. 16% teach through Welsh or in both languages, and 5 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 Rhondda Cynon Taf 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
5 of 111 schools are in follow-up; Estyn returns to check their progress.
- No follow-up100 (90%)
- Significant improvement3 (3%)
- Special measures2 (2%)
- No report on file6 (5%)
Source: Estyn inspection reports
Language of teaching
16% Welsh-medium or dual language in Rhondda Cynon Taf, against 30% across Wales.
- Welsh-medium17 (15%)
- Dual language1 (1%)
- English-medium85 (77%)
- Not recorded8 (7%)
Source: Welsh Government school data
Schools by stage in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Click a stage to filter the list below.
- Primary86
- Middle7
- Secondary10
- Special4
Rhondda Cynon Taf against Wales
The typical (median) school in the council, set against the typical school in Wales.
- Pupils eligible for free meals (3-year)
- 22.7%18.6%
- Pupils with additional learning needs
- 5.1%8.1%
- Budget per pupil
- £5,602£5,801
Source: Welsh Government school census 2025/26 and school budgets 2026-27
What the numbers say about schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf
At the typical school in Rhondda Cynon Taf, 22.7% of pupils have been eligible for free school meals over the last three years, 4.1 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. 5.1% of pupils at the typical school have additional learning needs (3.0 points below the Welsh figure). Schools here receive about £5,602 per pupil, £199 below the Welsh figure. Pupil numbers have fallen by 4.1% since 2020/21, which can mean spare places at some schools and pressure on budgets. The largest school is Tonyrefail Community School, with 1,769 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 Rhondda Cynon Taf
Schools not in Estyn follow-up first, then the most recently inspected. This is not a ranking by quality.
111 of 111 schools shown
- No follow-up
Penrhys Primary School
FerndalePrimaryEnglish-medium78 pupils64.4% free meals
- No follow-up
St Gabriel & Raphael R.C.P. School
TonypandyPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic160 pupils15.1% free meals
"St Gabriel and Raphael is a welcoming, inclusive and nurturing school where nearly all pupils enjoy learning and most make good progress from their starting points." Estyn, June 2026
- No follow-up
Trehopcyn Primary School
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium112 pupils26.7% free meals
"Trehopcyn Primary School is an inclusive and nurturing environment where all pupils are valued." Estyn, June 2026
- No follow-up
YGGG Llantrisant
PontyclunPrimaryWelsh-medium214 pupils
"The headteacher provides inspirational leadership which sets a clear strategic direction for the school’s work." Estyn, June 2026
- No follow-up
Ton Pentre Junior School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium144 pupils12.9% free meals
"Ton Pentre Junior School provides a caring and inclusive environment where pupils feel safe, valued and well supported." Estyn, May 2026
- No follow-up
Pontygwaith Primary School
FerndalePrimaryEnglish-medium139 pupils34.9% free meals
"At Pontygwaith Primary School, the headteacher provides strong, thoughtful leadership, supported effectively by staff and governors." Estyn, March 2026
- No follow-up
Darran Park Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium310 pupils20.6% free meals
"Leaders and staff create a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils and their families feel valued." Estyn, March 2026
- No follow-up
Blaengwawr Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium227 pupils28.2% free meals
"Blaengwawr Primary is a happy, inclusive school, where staff treat pupils with high levels of care and respect." Estyn, February 2026
- No follow-up
Cardinal Newman R.C. Comprehensive School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffSecondaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic938 pupils12.6% free meals
"Cardinal Newman Catholic School is a warm, welcoming and inclusive community where Catholic values underpin school life." Estyn, February 2026
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn Y Forwyn
FerndalePrimaryWelsh-medium170 pupils28.3% free meals
"Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn is a supportive and inclusive community that places a strong emphasis on pupils' progress and wellbeing." Estyn, January 2026
- No follow-up
Perthcelyn Community Primary School
Mountain AshPrimaryEnglish-medium120 pupils44.8% free meals
"Perthcelyn Community Primary has a strong nurturing culture that promotes pupils’ well- being and sense of belonging well." Estyn, January 2026
- No follow-up
Hirwaun Primary School
AberdarePrimaryEnglish-medium292 pupils36.0% free meals
"Leaders and staff use the well-designed, modern school building effectively to create a calm and nurturing learning environment where pupils feel valued and respected." Estyn, December 2025
- No follow-up
St Michael's R.C. Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic231 pupils9.5% free meals
"St Michael’s Roman Catholic Primary School is a warm and happy inclusive learning environment with a welcoming ethos." Estyn, November 2025
- No follow-up
Maesybryn Primary School
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium301 pupils9.6% free meals
"Maesybryn Primary School is an inclusive school that welcomes, embraces and celebrates all pupils, and their families, equally." Estyn, November 2025
- No follow-up
Penpych Community Primary School
RhonddaPrimaryEnglish-medium160 pupils37.4% free meals
"Penpych Primary school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils behave well, are polite and supportive of each other and nearly all pupils feel safe." Estyn, November 2025
- No follow-up
Tref-Y-Rhyg Primary School
PorthPrimaryEnglish-medium67 pupils50.8% free meals
"Tref-y Rhyg Primary School is a welcoming and friendly school where the headteacher is eager for all pupils to be the best they can be and to have high aspirations for their futures." Estyn, November 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Llanhari
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffMiddleWelsh-medium649 pupils5.6% free meals
"Ysgol Llanhari is a caring and inclusive community that promotes a strong sense of belonging." Estyn, October 2025
- No follow-up
Hendreforgan Community Primary School
Gilfach GochPrimaryEnglish-medium221 pupils30.2% free meals
"Hendreforgan is a happy, caring community school, where all staff treat pupils with high levels of care, respect and kindness." Estyn, September 2025
- No follow-up
Oaklands Primary School
AberdarePrimaryEnglish-medium203 pupils28.4% free meals
"Oaklands Primary is a happy and inclusive school where many pupils enjoy learning and make good progress from their individual starting points." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Park Lane Special School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffSpecialNot recorded146 pupils
"Park Lane School provides a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment where pupils feel safe, respected, and ready to learn." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Cwmlai Primary School
PorthPrimaryEnglish-medium403 pupils10.2% free meals
"Cwmlai Primary is a caring and inclusive school where pupils feel safe, valued, and respected." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Brynnau Primary School
PontyclunPrimaryEnglish-medium237 pupils12.2% free meals
"Nearly all pupils at Brynnau Primary School make at least good progress from their starting points." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Penderyn Primary School
AberdarePrimaryWelsh-medium188 pupils18.8% free meals
"Ysgol Gymraeg Penderyn is a happy and welcoming community that places consistent emphasis on the well-being and development of pupils and staff." Estyn, June 2025
- No follow-up
Tai Educational Centre
RhonddaNot recorded
- No follow-up
Bodringallt Primary School
PentrePrimaryEnglish-medium74 pupils41.1% free meals
"Bodringallt Primary School is a happy, inclusive learning community where leaders and staff take pride in fostering pupils’ well-being and progress." Estyn, March 2025
- No follow-up
Parc Primary School
TreorchyPrimaryEnglish-medium246 pupils26.4% free meals
"Parc Primary is a happy, inclusive and nurturing school." Estyn, March 2025
- No follow-up
Llwyncrwn Primary School
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium247 pupils21.1% free meals
"Llwyncrwn Primary School is a nurturing and inclusive school where both staff and pupils feel happy and safe." Estyn, March 2025
- No follow-up
Y Pant Comprehensive School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffSecondaryEnglish-medium1,463 pupils9.2% free meals
"Leaders in Y Pant Comprehensive are successful in securing consistently strong outcomes and high levels of well-being for their pupils." Estyn, March 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffSecondaryWelsh-medium1,047 pupils12.7% free meals
"Pupils at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Rhydywaun benefit greatly from stimulating learning experiences in a caring environment where supportive working relationships between staff and pupils form the basis of effective learning." Estyn, February 2025
- No follow-up
Aberdare Park Primary
Mid GlamorganPrimaryEnglish-medium245 pupils29.7% free meals
"Aberdare Park Primary is a welcoming and inclusive school." Estyn, March 2025
- No follow-up
Ysgol G.G. Tonyrefail
PorthPrimaryWelsh-medium190 pupils17.4% free meals
"Diligent leaders ensure an inclusive ethos and positive culture across the school, which focuses on improving pupils’ outcomes." Estyn, March 2025
- No follow-up
Ffynnon Taf Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium136 pupils14.2% free meals
"Ffynnon Taf Primary School provides a safe and caring environment for pupils to learn and thrive." Estyn, November 2024
- No follow-up
Penywaun Primary School
AberdarePrimaryEnglish-medium168 pupils52.6% free meals
"Leaders and a committed team of staff promote a supportive and inclusive environment with a strong focus on pupil well-being." Estyn, October 2024
- No follow-up
Ton Infants School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium155 pupils9.2% free meals
"The headteacher provides strong and compassionate leadership." Estyn, October 2024
- No follow-up
Gwauncelyn Primary
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium341 pupils9.4% free meals
"Gwauncelyn Primary School is a warm and welcoming learning environment." Estyn, October 2024
- No follow-up
Ferndale Community School
FerndaleSecondaryEnglish-medium628 pupils32.3% free meals
"Ferndale Community School combines high quality care, support and guidance with effective teaching and learning experiences." Estyn, October 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol G.G. Evan James
PontypriddPrimaryWelsh-medium318 pupils8.0% free meals
"The acting headteacher of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Evan James leads the learning community in an inspiring manner." Estyn, June 2024
- No follow-up
Cwmdar County Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium265 pupils16.0% free meals
"Cwmdar County Primary School is a happy and inclusive school where staff and pupils treat each other with care and respect." Estyn, June 2024
- No follow-up
Pontyclun Primary School
PontyclunPrimaryEnglish-medium370 pupils8.7% free meals
"The headteacher leads a dedicated team of enthusiastic teachers, many of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience." Estyn, June 2024
- No follow-up
Llanhari Primary School
PontyclunPrimaryEnglish-medium152 pupils29.0% free meals
"Llanhari Primary School is an inclusive happy school." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Penrhiwceibr Primary
Mountain AshPrimaryEnglish-medium116 pupils30.2% free meals
"This is a happy, inclusive and welcoming school." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Llantrisant Primary
PontyclunPrimaryEnglish-medium115 pupils15.0% free meals
"Leaders, staff and governors at Llantrisant Primary School provide a safe and stimulating environment for pupils." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Cwmaman Primary
AberdarePrimaryEnglish-medium209 pupils28.5% free meals
"Cwmaman Primary School is both a caring, nurturing primary school and a hub of activity and support for the local community." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Maes-Y-Coed Primary School
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium229 pupils14.0% free meals
"Nearly all pupils enjoy their time at Maes-Y-Coed Primary School." Estyn, March 2024
- No follow-up
Pontrhondda Primary School
TonypandyPrimaryEnglish-medium112 pupils37.1% free meals
"Pontrhondda Primary is a caring, supportive school at the heart of its community." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gyfun Cymer Rhondda
PorthSecondaryWelsh-medium648 pupils13.5% free meals
"Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda is a caring community that places a strong emphasis on supporting pupils’ well-being." Estyn, February 2024
- No follow-up
Llwynypia Primary School
TonypandyPrimaryEnglish-medium179 pupils36.9% free meals
"Llwynypia Primary School is a happy, inclusive school that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, January 2024
- No follow-up
St Margaret's R.C. Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic93 pupils32.2% free meals
"St Margaret’s R.C. Primary is caring school where leaders commit to develop positive relationships with staff, pupils and their families and this helps to develop a connection where there is a strong sense of belonging." Estyn, January 2024
- No follow-up
Tylorstown Primary School
Ferndale RhonddaPrimaryEnglish-medium111 pupils38.6% free meals
"The headteacher at Tylorstown Primary School has developed an inclusive culture and pupils interact well with adults and each other." Estyn, December 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol G. G. Llwyncelyn
PorthPrimaryWelsh-medium356 pupils12.5% free meals
"Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn is an inclusive, happy and caring community where nearly all pupils behave excellently." Estyn, December 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Hen Felin
RhonndaSpecialNot recorded244 pupils
"Ysgol Hen Felin is a happy school where pupils feel safe and secure." Estyn, December 2023
- No follow-up
Penyrenglyn Primary School
TreorchyPrimaryEnglish-medium197 pupils32.6% free meals
"Penyrenglyn Community Primary School is an inclusive, caring school that places a high priority on the importance of developing positive relationships with staff, pupils, parents and the wider community." Estyn, November 2023
- No follow-up
Cwmclydach Primary
TonypandyPrimaryEnglish-medium183 pupils39.9% free meals
"Cwmclydach Primary is an inclusive school where pupil and family well-being is high a priority." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Dolau Primary
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryDual language520 pupils5.6% free meals
"Ysgol Gynradd Dolau Primary School is a friendly, vibrant and inclusive learning community where everyone has high expectations and aspirations of themselves and others." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Gelli Primary School
PentrePrimaryEnglish-medium196 pupils16.7% free meals
"Gelli Primary School is a nurturing place for pupils, staff and visitors." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Tonysguboriau Primary School
PontyclunPrimaryEnglish-medium234 pupils15.5% free meals
"Tonysguboriau Primary School is a friendly and inclusive community where staff work hard to support the well-being of pupils." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol G.G. Castellau
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryWelsh-medium248 pupils8.1% free meals
"The headteacher is an energetic and conscientious leader who has a highly effective influence on the school and its community." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Gymraeg Abercynon
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryWelsh-medium273 pupils21.1% free meals
"The acting headteacher at Ysgol Gymraeg Abercynon is working diligently with leaders to identify the school’s strengths and areas for improvement." Estyn, October 2023
- No follow-up
Ynyshir Primary School
Rhondda Cynon TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium234 pupils27.5% free meals
"Leaders work purposefully to create a safe and inclusive environment where pupils and staff feel valued and supported." Estyn, June 2023
- No follow-up
Abercynon Community Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium307 pupils23.7% free meals
"Abercynon Community Primary School is a welcoming, inclusive school that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils." Estyn, May 2023
- No follow-up
Caegarw Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium162 pupils20.8% free meals
"The pupils of Caegarw Primary School enter the school gates with smiles on their faces in anticipation of what the day ahead holds." Estyn, May 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Nantgwyn
TonypandyMiddleEnglish-medium982 pupils26.8% free meals
"Ysgol Nantgwyn provides strong care, support and guidance where pupils and families are supported to reduce any barriers to their learning." Estyn, April 2023
- No follow-up
Alaw Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium148 pupils19.1% free meals
"Alaw Primary School is a nurturing, caring school that adopts a strong, inclusive approach successfully." Estyn, March 2023
- No follow-up
Bryncelynnog Comprehensive School
PontypriddSecondaryEnglish-medium1,343 pupils14.4% free meals
"Ysgol Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School is a caring environment where staff work productively to promote the school’s vision of ‘nurturing success’." Estyn, March 2023
- No follow-up
Llanharan Primary School
PontyclunPrimaryEnglish-medium148 pupils35.4% free meals
"Pupils at Llanharan Primary are happy in school and enjoy attending every day." Estyn, March 2023
- No follow-up
Pengeulan Primary School
Mountain AshPrimaryEnglish-medium130 pupils39.9% free meals
"Pengeulan Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive community where pupils and families feel respected and valued." Estyn, March 2023
- No follow-up
Ysgol Garth Olwg
PontypriddMiddleWelsh-medium1,202 pupils7.5% free meals
"As they move through the school, many pupils make strong progress in their Welsh communication skills." Estyn, March 2023
- No follow-up
Coedylan Primary School
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium149 pupils8.0% free meals
"Over time, leadership at all levels at the school has not been effective enough." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Llwydcoed Primary
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium142 pupils14.5% free meals
"Pupils at Llwydcoed Primary School enjoy attending school." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Maesgwyn Special School
RCTSpecialNot recorded134 pupils
"Maesgwyn Special School is a nurturing and welcoming community that places a strong focus on pupil and staff well-being." Estyn, February 2023
- No follow-up
Llanilltud Faerdref Primary
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium192 pupils18.7% free meals
"Llanilltud Faerdref is a happy, caring school at the heart of the community it serves." Estyn, January 2023
- No follow-up
Treorchy Primary School
RhonddaPrimaryEnglish-medium393 pupils25.5% free meals
"The school has established a strong sense of community both within and outside the school." Estyn, January 2023
- No follow-up
Miskin Primary School
Mountain AshPrimaryEnglish-medium84 pupils39.8% free meals
"This is a school at the heart of its community." Estyn, December 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol G.G. Ynyswen
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryWelsh-medium226 pupils14.3% free meals
"Most pupils enjoy their time at this friendly, caring and supportive school." Estyn, December 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol G.G. Bronllwyn
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryWelsh-medium248 pupils13.3% free meals
"Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bronllwyn is a happy and homely school." Estyn, November 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol G.G. Aberdar
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryWelsh-medium417 pupils9.2% free meals
"Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdâr is a caring, happy and homely school where pupils treat each other, staff and visitors with respect." Estyn, September 2022
- No follow-up
Trallwng Infants School
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium66 pupils19.8% free meals
"Trallwng Infants school cares for its staff and pupils." Estyn, July 2022
- No follow-up
Capcoch Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium162 pupils35.4% free meals
"Most Capcoch Primary School pupils make strong progress in their learning and develop as motivated, caring and enthusiastic learners." Estyn, June 2022
- No follow-up
Cwmbach Community Primary
AberdarePrimaryEnglish-medium252 pupils22.3% free meals
"The headteacher provides outstanding leadership of the school." Estyn, June 2022
- No follow-up
Coedpenmaen County Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium183 pupils11.6% free meals
"Most pupils at the school behave well and are polite and well mannered." Estyn, May 2022
- No follow-up
Darrenlas Primary School
Mountain AshPrimaryEnglish-medium210 pupils24.2% free meals
"Darrenlas Primary School is a safe, nurturing and vibrant learning environment." Estyn, May 2022
- No follow-up
Parclewis Primary School
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium242 pupils15.4% free meals
"Parc Lewis Primary School has a warm and caring ethos." Estyn, May 2022
- No follow-up
Ysgol G.G. Bodringallt
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryWelsh-medium137 pupils25.6% free meals
"The headteacher leads the school well and provides strong strategic leadership." Estyn, March 2022
- No follow-up
Aberdare Town C.I.W. Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales276 pupils7.0% free meals
- No follow-up
Abernant Primary School
AberdarePrimaryEnglish-medium108 pupils17.4% free meals
- No follow-up
Caradog Primary School
AberdarePrimaryEnglish-medium178 pupils37.8% free meals
- No follow-up
Cwmbach C.I.W. Primary School
AberdarePrimaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales104 pupils51.7% free meals
- No follow-up
Cymmer Primary School
Rhondda Cynon TafPrimaryEnglish-medium205 pupils37.1% free meals
- No follow-up
Glenboi Primary School
Mountain AshPrimaryEnglish-medium141 pupils59.5% free meals
- No follow-up
Gwaunmeisgyn Primary School
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium345 pupils18.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Maerdy Community Primary School
FerndalePrimaryEnglish-medium295 pupils47.7% free meals
- No follow-up
Mountain Ash Comprehensive School
Mountain AshSecondaryEnglish-medium835 pupils32.5% free meals
- No follow-up
Our Lady's R.C. Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-mediumRoman Catholic115 pupils32.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Penygawsi Primary School
PontyclunPrimaryEnglish-medium206 pupils6.2% free meals
- No follow-up
Porth Community School
PorthMiddleEnglish-medium876 pupils26.7% free meals
- No follow-up
St John Baptist C.I.W. High School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffSecondaryEnglish-mediumChurch in Wales936 pupils12.6% free meals
- No follow-up
Trealaw Primary School
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffPrimaryEnglish-medium117 pupils33.6% free meals
- No follow-up
Ty Gwyn Education Centres
AberdareNot recorded
- No follow-up
Williamstown Primary School
Rhondda Cynon TafPrimaryEnglish-medium302 pupils24.3% free meals
- No follow-up
Ynysboeth Community Primary
Mountain AshPrimaryEnglish-medium118 pupils43.5% free meals
- No report on file
Hafod Primary School
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium107 pupils19.4% free meals
- No report on file
Ysgol Afon Wen
PontypriddMiddleEnglish-mediumNot available1,141 pupils26.7% free meals
- No report on file
Ysgol Bro Taf
PontypriddMiddleEnglish-mediumNot available919 pupils23.0% free meals
- No report on file
Ysgol Cambrian
Clydach ValeNot recorded
- No report on file
Ysgol Gynradd Glyn-coch
PontypriddNot recorded
- No report on file
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Awel Taf
PontypriddPrimaryWelsh-mediumNot available357 pupils10.0% free meals
- Significant improvement
Tonyrefail Community School
PorthMiddleEnglish-medium1,769 pupils19.3% free meals
"Leaders in Tonyrefail Community school have created a caring and inclusive environment where most pupils feel safe and enjoy being members of the school community." Estyn, May 2026
- Significant improvement
Aberdare Community School
AberdareSecondaryEnglish-medium1,291 pupils29.1% free meals
"Pupils and staff are proud to belong to Aberdare Community School." Estyn, January 2026
- Significant improvement
Ysgol Ty Coch
Rhondda, Cynon, TaffSpecialNot recorded241 pupils
"The school’s nurturing ethos makes a strong contribution to pupils’ personal development." Estyn, March 2025
- Special measures
Trerobart Primary School
PontypriddPrimaryEnglish-medium166 pupils34.9% free meals
- Special measures
Treorchy Comprehensive School
RhonddaSecondaryEnglish-medium1,419 pupils23.9% free meals
"Treorchy Comprehensive School is an inclusive caring community with a clear focus on equity and supporting pupils’ well-being." Estyn, May 2024
Choosing and applying for a school in Rhondda Cynon Taf
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 Rhondda Cynon Taf 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 Rhondda Cynon Taf secondaries take most of their pupils from a named group of primary schools.
Questions parents ask about schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf
How many schools are there in Rhondda Cynon Taf?
Rhondda Cynon Taf has 111 open schools on School Signal, including 86 primary and 10 secondary schools, teaching about 36,478 pupils (school census 2025/26).
Which schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf are in Estyn follow-up?
5 schools are in Estyn follow-up: Tonyrefail Community School (significant improvement), Aberdare Community School (significant improvement), Ysgol Ty Coch (significant improvement), Trerobart Primary School (special measures), Treorchy Comprehensive 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 Rhondda Cynon Taf?
17 schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf teach mainly through Welsh and 1 teach in both languages - 16% 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 Rhondda Cynon Taf?
No. Wales stopped publishing school league tables and Estyn no longer gives schools an overall grade, so any "top ten" list for Rhondda Cynon Taf 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.