Borderbrook School, Wrexham

Borderbrook 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 16 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

Year groups range from 1 pupils (Year 2) to 4 (Year 1).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £20,734 per pupil, against £14,592 in 2021-22. It carried forward £1k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its February 2025 inspection summarises Borderbrook School like this:

"The headteacher fosters a cohesive and inclusive learning environment, ensuring all pupils feel valued. Through her calm and reflective leadership, she promotes equity and unity across the federation of schools. She supports leadership development by encouraging collaboration among senior leaders and staff, leading to a shared approach in teaching and assessment. Teachers engage in reflective self-evaluation, though staff involvement in monitoring remains an area for growth. Pupils develop strong communication skills, expressing themselves confidently in discussions and listening attentively. The youngest pupils are growing in confidence as they develop their understanding of early phonics while older pupils read fluently and critically engage with texts. Teachers integrate many opportunities for pupils to write across the curriculum, with younger pupils developing foundational skills through play and older pupils using persuasive language effectively."

"However, some activities lack challenge, and an over-reliance on the use of written templates limits pupils’ opportunities to work creatively. Teachers’ planning embeds mathematics into real-world contexts. Entrepreneurial activities teach pupils budgeting and decision-making. Digital literacy is a strength, with pupils working together effectively to develop strong skills. All pupils understand online safety. Rich learning experiences extend beyond the classroom through outdoor activities, creative arts, and cultural events. The school has placed an emphasis on pupils’ Welsh language development with staff modelling its use and older pupils mentoring younger ones."

"Staff prioritise pupil well- being, fostering resilience, confidence, and positive relationships. Older pupils are developing good leadership roles as they increasingly influence their learning and lead daily worship sessions. Support for pupils with additional learning needs is well-structured and incorporates effective working with external agencies. Strong partnerships with parents ensure families feel supported and involved. Governors play an active role, though their direct engagement in school monitoring is still evolving."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) To include all stakeholders in the monitoring and self-evaluation process; (2) Reduce the use of printed templates and ensure a suitable level of challenge during activities.

The nearest other state primary schools to Borderbrook School are St Chad's Church in Wales Voluntary Aided Primary School (2.4 miles), Madras Primary School (2.8 miles), Ysgol Sant Dunawd (3.4 miles) and Shocklach Oviatt CofE Primary School (3.6 miles).