Cysgod Y Coed, Chepstow

Cysgod Y Coed is a school in Wales. Welsh schools are inspected by Estyn rather than Ofsted, and its latest report is published on Estyn's website.

Estyn's report on its October 2025 inspection summarises Cysgod Y Coed like this:

"Following a period of instability, the newly appointed seconded head of the Pupil Referral Service (PRS) is bringing much-needed stability and a clear sense of direction. His calm, consistent leadership is helping staff work together more effectively and is beginning to strengthen teaching, learning and curriculum development. This follows a period of frequent staff turnover and weak interim leadership, which disrupted consistency; the new head of PRS has rebuilt systems quickly, restored accountability, and improved morale with a clear vision focused on improving teaching and raising expectations. Many teachers use their strong subject knowledge to plan engaging lessons that build on pupils’ existing skills. Positive relationships between staff and pupils foster confidence, participation and positive behaviour. Pupils benefit from respectful, caring environments where they feel supported to learn."

"The introduction of professional development and clearer roles for staff is beginning to improve consistency and accountability across the service. Leadership systems are now operational and show credible capacity to improve within a reasonable timeframe, supported by strengthening partnerships with the local authority and regional consortia. However, teaching and learning remain too variable. In a few lessons, expectations are too low, and opportunities to develop pupils’ literacy and Welsh language skills are missed. Curriculum changes, including new GCSE and vocational options, are at an early stage, so their impact cannot yet be seen. Since September 2025, teaching has been monitored more systematically and staff receive targeted professional training; foundations for improvement are now in place."

"Leaders are strengthening the systems for assessment, and behaviour and their consistent use by staff. The use of trauma-informed approaches is helping pupils feel secure and ready to learn. Despite this, attendance remains too low, and too many pupils have part- time timetables, limiting their access to a broad and balanced curriculum offer. The new additional learning needs co-ordinator is improving support for pupils with additional needs, but the use and monitoring of individual development plans are inconsistent. The management committee is gaining a clearer understanding of the PRS’s work but needs to strengthen its ability to challenge and support improvement."

Estyn made 4 recommendations: (1) Improve the quality and consistency of teaching and learning; (2) Ensure that quality assurance processes focus on pupil progress and outcomes; (3) Improve pupil attendance, including the use of part-time timetables; (4) Strengthen the role of the management committee in evaluating the work of the PRS.

Estyn follow-up status: Significant Improvement.

The nearest railway station is Chepstow Rail Station, about 590 metres away (roughly a 7-minute walk).

10 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Bulwark Corner (after), 20 metres away.