Burlais Primary, Cwmbwrla

Burlais Primary 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 481 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

33% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 10% have additional learning needs (51% in 2020/21); 20% are learning English as an additional language; and 30% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 46 pupils (Reception) to 77 (Year 6).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,773 per pupil, against £4,432 in 2021-22. It carried forward £163k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its September 2024 inspection summarises Burlais Primary like this:

"Burlais Primary School is a happy, safe and successful school where all pupils are valued and respected, and their achievements celebrated. The headteacher provides thoughtful and dedicated leadership and the committed team of staff and governors support him well. Throughout the school, strong and purposeful working relationships between staff and pupils enable pupils to learn in a caring and positive environment. Teachers and classroom assistants know pupils well and plan an engaging range of activities that support their well-being and learning needs successfully."

"As a result, most pupils, including those with additional learning needs (ALN) and those who attend the two specialist teaching facilities (STFs), make strong progress from their individual starting points. The school has developed its curriculum to include a wide and varied range of beneficial learning experiences. However, teachers do not always provide opportunities for pupils to make choices in their learning or to develop effectively as independent learners. Leaders have a sound knowledge of what the school does well and what needs to improve."

"Recent work to develop pupils’ reading skills has been particularly successful and a sharp focus on well-being has led to valuable improvements in pupils’ behaviour and attendance. However, the school’s work to improve pupils’ Welsh language skills is underdeveloped. The school’s approach to caring for pupils and their families is a strength. Staff, including those in the STFs, work closely with parents and outside agencies to provide invaluable advice, signposting and access to resources."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Develop all pupils as effective independent learners; (2) Improve pupils’ Welsh language skills.

The nearest other state primary schools to Burlais Primary are Waun Wen Primary School (0.4 miles), St Joseph's Cathedral Primary School (0.6 miles), Hafod Primary School (0.6 miles) and Brynhyfryd Primary School (0.7 miles).

The nearest railway station is Swansea Rail Station, about 1 mile away in a straight line.

21 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Cwmbwrla Gate House (before), 90 metres away.