Alderman Davies CIW Primary School, Neath

Alderman Davies CIW Primary School is an English-medium school in Wales. Welsh schools are inspected by Estyn rather than Ofsted, and its latest report is published on Estyn's website.

It had 232 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

23% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 12% have additional learning needs (17% in 2020/21); 10% are learning English as an additional language; and 20% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 20 pupils (Year 2) to 49 (Year 6).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,463 per pupil, against £3,464 in 2021-22. It ended 2024-25 with a deficit of £1,657k.

Estyn's report on its June 2025 inspection summarises Alderman Davies CIW Primary School like this:

"Alderman Davies CIW School promotes a kind, supportive and nurturing environment successfully. The headteacher provides strong leadership through clear communication and strategic direction for school improvement. Alongside other school leaders, she fosters a strong culture of care and respect, ensuring that pupils feel safe, secure and happy at school. Leaders have developed a curriculum that is dynamic, interesting and bespoke to the community. This has had a positive impact on attendance and pupil engagement. As a result, most pupils make good progress, as they move through the school. Nearly all pupils feel proud of their school and talk with enthusiasm about their lessons and learning."

"However, feedback does not focus consistently enough on improving and extending pupils’ learning. The school’s provision for expressive arts is a strength. Nearly all pupils benefit from a range of authentic artistic and musical experiences, including the use of local artists and multimedia collages. As a result, most pupils develop as ethical and creative learners well. However, there are limited opportunities in all curriculum areas for pupils to work independently. The school’s approach to social and emotional literacy is a strength, having a positive impact on the well-being and engagement of targeted pupils. For example, a woodland schools initiative has provided pupils with the opportunity to develop their emotional literacy and social skills, alongside a tailored sensory approach to help pupils regulate and engage effectively with their learning."

"A range of pupil voice groups provide valuable opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills. Y Senedd have worked closely with school leaders to develop a new vision, which is visible and meaningful around the school. Pupils take pride in embracing responsibilities, such as participating in the Safety Squad, Criw Cymraeg and other leadership roles. Staff have strong and useful relationships with the wider community, including parents. Parents feel listened to and grateful for the leadership of the school."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Provide further opportunities for pupils to work independently; (2) Ensure that feedback is used consistently to improve and extend learning.

The nearest other state primary schools to Alderman Davies CIW Primary School are YGG Castell-nedd (0.2 miles), Gnoll Primary School (0.3 miles), St Joseph's Catholic Primary School (Neath) (0.6 miles) and Catwg Primary School (0.8 miles).

The nearest railway station is Neath Rail Station, about 350 metres away (roughly a 4-minute walk).

25 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Neath Bus Station 1 (at), 100 metres away.