Cwrt Rawlin Primary School, Caerphilly

Cwrt Rawlin 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 360 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 3% have additional learning needs (11% in 2020/21); and 8% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 44 pupils (Year 5) to 47 (Year 3).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £4,626 per pupil, against £3,502 in 2021-22. It ended 2024-25 with a deficit of £19k.

Estyn's report on its April 2024 inspection summarises Cwrt Rawlin Primary School like this:

"The headteacher, staff and governors have created a highly inclusive ethos at the school. As a result, pupils thrive in their work and develop into kind, considerate and mature individuals. Nearly all pupils are polite and well-mannered, and their interaction with each other and all adults is exemplary. They greet visitors with a warm smile and a friendly greeting, which makes visitors immediately feel a part of the wider school community. Pupils’ attitudes to learning and their behaviour are excellent. Nearly all engage immediately at the beginning of each lesson and show perseverance and resilience in what they achieve. All staff collaborate and support each other well. The school benefits from a strong team of dedicated, skilled teachers and teaching assistants who work diligently to help the pupils in their care."

"Teachers plan interesting lessons that enable pupils to develop a good range of skills. In particular, they are highly effective at helping pupils to achieve exceptional reading and oracy skills. Overall, pupils write to a good standard and develop progressive digital skills, which they apply confidently in other areas of learning. Although pupils develop sound discrete mathematical skills, they do not apply their numeracy skills often enough in other areas of learning. Furthermore, pupils do not make sufficient progress in developing their Welsh language skills. School staff provide effective support to pupils with additional learning needs (ALN). Teachers and teaching assistants know their pupils well and provide beneficial support tailored for individual needs. However, across the school, there is a tendency for staff to over-direct the learning, which inhibits the pupils to develop as independent learners."

"The leadership of the school is highly effective. The headteacher provides compassionate leadership that helps staff, pupils and their families to succeed. Governors are very supportive of the school and show a good awareness of their roles and responsibilities. They support leaders and staff effectively. The headteacher, with the support of staff and governors, promotes a robust culture of safeguarding. The links with parents and the local community are strong."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Improve pupils’ Welsh oracy skills; (2) Ensure that teachers across the school provide regular opportunities for pupils to develop their independent learning skills.

From the headteacher's welcome: "It is designed to give you an insight into our thriving school and to provide helpful information that will support you and your child throughout their successful journey at Cwrt Rawlin Primary. We are proud to offer a broad and balanced curriculum, with high-quality teaching and enriching learning experiences."

The nearest other state primary schools to Cwrt Rawlin Primary School are Hendredenny Park Primary School (0.7 miles), Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Y Castell (0.8 miles), Hendre Primary School (0.8 miles) and Plasyfelin Primary (1.1 miles).

The nearest railway station is Aber Rail Station, about 970 metres away (roughly a 12-minute walk).

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Cwrt Rawlin School (outside), 80 metres away.