Cwmcarn Primary School, Crosskeys

Cwmcarn 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 211 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

28% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 17% have additional learning needs (23% in 2020/21); and 7% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 15 pupils (Reception) to 48 (Year 6).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £6,919 per pupil, against £4,173 in 2021-22. It carried forward £35k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

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

"Cwmcarn Primary School is a happy, inclusive learning community where pupils feel safe and secure. The headteacher, governors and staff are very proud of the school and share a vision that focuses on the well-being and progress of all pupils, including those in the Special Resource Bases (SRBs). Working relationships between staff and pupils are strong and these contribute positively to the way pupils behave in and around the school. Pupils are polite and courteous to each other and other adults. They are confident when discussing their work and keen to explain what they are doing and what they have learnt to their peers and staff. Pupils and staff treat each other with respect and fairness."

"They discuss equality, diversity, identity and LGBTQ+ matters confidently, sensitively and with mature understanding. The provision for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) particularly those in the SRB classes is highly successful. The school’s ALN co-ordinator has worked with staff to develop robust procedures to support pupils with ALN. As a result, most pupils including those at risk of underachievement because of the impact of socio- economic disadvantage, make good progress. Leaders place a high priority on pupil attendance and work with families effectively to ensure that their children attend school regularly. This has had a positive impact on attendance figures."

"Overall, the school’s curriculum is broad and balanced. However, the provision for Welsh is underdeveloped and staff do not provide enough opportunities for outdoor learning. Governors are supportive and well informed. They have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and are beginning to identify areas for development and challenge leaders appropriately."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Strengthen the provision for pupils to develop their Welsh language skills; (2) Develop the use of the outdoors as a learning environment.

The nearest other state primary schools to Cwmcarn Primary School are Y.G. Cwm Gwyddon (0.9 miles), Waunfawr Primary School (1.1 miles), Abercarn Primary School (1.4 miles) and Risca Primary School (2.1 miles).

The nearest railway station is Crosskeys Rail Station, about 0.9 miles away in a straight line.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Welfare Hall (outside), 40 metres away.