Birchgrove Primary School, Cardiff

Birchgrove 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 369 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 3% have additional learning needs (11% in 2020/21); 14% are learning English as an additional language; and 33% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 34 pupils (Year 1) to 60 (Year 5).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £4,609 per pupil, against £3,271 in 2021-22. It carried forward £196k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its February 2024 inspection summarises Birchgrove Primary School like this:

"Birchgrove Primary School is a happy and inclusive learning community. Pupils enjoy school and have a positive attitude towards their learning. Pupils understand the importance of good attendance and are punctual in the morning. The behaviour of nearly all pupils is excellent and leaders and other staff ensure a strong culture of care and understanding. Nearly all pupils develop and use their literacy, numeracy and digital skills well and apply these effectively and enthusiastically across a broad range of learning experiences."

"Teachers plan a wide range of authentic and stimulating experiences for pupils as part of an engaging curriculum. This includes a wide choice of interesting extra- curricular activities and a variety of educational visits that enrich the curriculum. However, there are limited opportunities for pupils to develop their skills as independent learners and to engage in learning in the outdoors. Most pupils have a good understanding of how to keep healthy and enjoy walking or cycling to school. Staff provide timely and skilful support for pupils with social and emotional difficulties and meet the needs of pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) well."

"Pupils take on a range of leadership roles and undertake them diligently. For example, the ‘Digidudes’ help to develop the digital skills of other pupils. The headteacher provides strong leadership, and she is well supported by staff and governors. They share a clear vision for the school based on preparing pupils for their future lives and community focused learning. The governing body has a good understanding of the strengths of the school and works effectively with the headteacher, staff, pupils and parents to support ongoing improvement."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Improve the provision for outdoor learning; (2) Develop pupils’ independent learning skills.

From the headteacher's welcome: "Our vision is encapsulated in our school motto: "Where every child is a star" and accompanying statement: "Preparing children to step confidently into their future, a community learning together". This was drawn up by pupils, staff and Governors and is proudly displayed around the school. Please feel free to contact the school direct with any queries you may have."

The nearest other state primary schools to Birchgrove Primary School are St Joseph's R.C. Primary School (0.7 miles), Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd (0.7 miles), Ton-Yr-Ywen Primary School (0.8 miles) and Whitchurch Primary School (0.8 miles).

The nearest railway station is Birchgrove Rail Station, about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

18 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Birchgrove Road (o/s 43), 100 metres away.