Blackwood Primary School, Blackwood

Blackwood 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 360 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

32% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 6% have additional learning needs (19% in 2020/21); 3% are learning English as an additional language; and 8% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 36 pupils (Year 1) to 65 (Year 6).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £4,442 per pupil, against £3,334 in 2021-22. It carried forward £284k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its June 2025 inspection summarises Blackwood Primary School like this:

"Blackwood Primary School provides pupils with an exciting and engaging range of learning opportunities that support them to make strong progress in their learning and well-being and develop as ambitious, independent learners. Leaders and staff create a positive, welcoming and inclusive learning environment that values pupils’ contributions, instils high expectations and develops their aspirations. Pupils of all ages are well-cared for, supported and encouraged, helping them to develop highly positive attitudes towards their learning and exemplary standards of behaviour. The school offers a purposeful and meaningful curriculum that enables pupils to develop a comprehensive range of academic, social and life skills. Frequent opportunities to learn through activities such as woodwork, sewing and cookery prepare pupils well for future life. From the outset, carefully planned teaching and support helps younger pupils to quickly develop their communication skills."

"As they move through the school, most become confident readers, speakers and writers. Most pupils develop valuable Welsh language and digital skills and apply them capably in a range of contexts. The teaching of mathematics though is too variable, and this restricts the progress a minority of pupils make. The school makes excellent use of its facilities, both indoors and outdoors. Leaders and governors work together purposefully to ensure that they use the school’s finances successfully to provide pupils with well-resourced learning spaces. Governors support the school well and have a good first-hand understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement."

"Work to improve rates of attendance is beginning to have a positive impact, however too many pupils do not attend school frequently enough. There is a strong culture of reflection at the school. All staff are committed to developing their own practice to enable them to best meet the needs of the school’s pupils. There is a rigorous approach to professional learning and valuable relationships with external support partners. Staff use both effectively to enhance their skills and refine the school’s provision."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Improve attendance; (2) Ensure that teachers model suitable methods of calculation effectively and address pupils’ misconceptions consistently.

The nearest other state primary schools to Blackwood Primary School are Cefn Fforest Primary School (0.5 miles), Libanus Primary School (0.6 miles), Penllwyn Primary School (0.8 miles) and Ysgol Gymraeg Trelyn (0.9 miles).

The nearest railway station is Pengam Rail Station, about 1.2 miles away in a straight line.

18 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Frost Place (before), 90 metres away.