Cwmdar County Primary School, Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

Cwmdar County 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 265 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

16% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 4% have additional learning needs (12% in 2020/21); and 3% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 24 pupils (Reception) to 38 (Year 4).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £4,318 per pupil, against £3,391 in 2021-22. It carried forward £4k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its June 2024 inspection summarises Cwmdar County Primary School like this:

"Cwmdar County Primary School is a happy and inclusive school where staff and pupils treat each other with care and respect. Throughout the school, nearly all pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, they engage positively with their learning and welcome visitors happily. There is a strong culture of safeguarding at the school and, as a result, pupils enjoy their learning experiences and feel safe at school. The school provides strong support for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN). Learning support assistants work effectively with pupils in small groups, offering valuable individual support for vulnerable pupils. As a result, most pupils make good progress across the school and develop their reading, writing and numeracy skills well. Nearly all pupils have strong speaking skills."

"They confidently talk about their work and school life in general and contribute effectively during lessons. The school is beginning to develop opportunities for pupils to reflect on their learning during lessons, but opportunities for many pupils to improve their own work and identify their next steps in learning over time, are limited. Teachers and learning support assistants know pupils well. They form warm and nurturing working relationships that help pupils to feel relaxed and valued. Teachers set clear expectations in lessons, plan a range of stimulating learning experiences that motivate and inspire nearly all pupils successfully. As a result, pupils show positive attitudes towards their learning. However, pupils do not always have enough opportunities to make choices about their learning and to develop fully as independent, creative learners."

"Leaders provide clear direction and model professional behaviours effectively. They foster collaboration successfully and support staff to work well as a team. They have regular opportunities for professional development. They have high expectations of themselves and their pupils. As a result, pupils make good progress within a calm, purposeful and happy environment. Governors support the school effectively and are committed to creating an inclusive environment that nurtures pupils’ learning and well-being."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Increase opportunities for pupils to direct their own learning, developing their independence and creativity; (2) Provide opportunities for pupils to reflect on and respond to feedback and identify next steps in their learning.

The nearest other state primary schools to Cwmdar County Primary School are Ysgol G.G. Aberdar (0.3 miles), Aberdare Park Primary (0.7 miles), Penywaun Primary School (0.9 miles) and St Margaret's R.C. Primary School (1.1 miles).

The nearest railway station is Aberdare Rail Station, about 1.4 miles away in a straight line.

17 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Cwmdare Primary School (outside), 50 metres away.