Cantref Primary, Monmouthshire

Cantref 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 229 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

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

Of its pupils, 5% have additional learning needs (17% in 2020/21); and 10% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 29 pupils (Year 5) to 30 (Year 1).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,329 per pupil, against £3,938 in 2021-22. It carried forward £101k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its April 2023 inspection summarises Cantref Primary like this:

"All pupils thoroughly enjoy coming to Cantref Primary school every day. They enter their classrooms with gusto, ready to begin learning. All pupils look out for each other and the relationship between the older and younger pupils is a strength of the school. The caring attitudes of pupils and staff contribute positively to the inclusive and welcoming community, where pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. Nearly all pupils make good progress from their starting points during their time in school. They are articulate and confident speakers who engage well in their work."

"The mutually respectful and positive relationships that exist amongst staff, and staff and pupils, also enhance pupils’ learning successfully. The pupils’ enthusiasm for learning is a result of the vibrant teaching. Teachers plan engaging activities for pupils to enable them to make effective progress in their literacy, numeracy and digital skills. They provide pupils with numerous opportunities to build on their knowledge and understanding but, generally, the whole school approach to meeting the requirements of the Curriculum for Wales lacks clarity. In addition, teachers’ feedback does not always provide opportunities for pupils to reflect on their work and make improvements. Staff use the indoor and outdoor environments well to support engaging learning opportunities."

"In particular, their use of the school grounds provides innovative experiences for pupils to learn in authentic and meaningful contexts. Staff nurture and provide effective support and guidance for pupils in all aspects of school life. The school provides an extensive range of extra-curricular activities that develop and enhance a wide range of skills effectively and inspires pupils to take up new interests. These experiences develop the pupils’ life skills and well-being very successfully. The headteacher provides strong and effective leadership. The senior leadership team and governors share his clear vision, and all staff work effectively with them to secure the best provision possible to improve pupils’ outcomes."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Ensure that the curriculum is meaningful for all pupils and builds systematically and coherently across the school; (2) Ensure that pupils have regular opportunities to improve their own work.

The nearest other state primary schools to Cantref Primary are Our Lady & St Michael's School (0.2 miles), Ysgol Gymraeg Y Fenni (0.9 miles), Llanfoist Fawr Primary School (1 mile) and Llantilio Pertholey C.V. Primary School (1.1 miles).

The nearest railway station is Abergavenny Rail Station (Main Entrance), about 1 mile away in a straight line.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is The Gables (near), 80 metres away.