Danescourt Primary School, Llandaff

Danescourt 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 413 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

10% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 4% have additional learning needs (25% in 2020/21); 9% are learning English as an additional language; and 25% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 38 pupils (Reception) to 60 (Year 5).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £4,902 per pupil, against £3,532 in 2021-22. It ended 2024-25 with a deficit of £98k.

Estyn's report on its October 2025 inspection summarises Danescourt Primary School like this:

"Danescourt Primary School is a friendly and inclusive community where pupils develop as confident, articulate learners who take pride in their achievements and care for one another. Staff know pupils well and create a calm, supportive environment that helps pupils to feel secure, behave respectfully and enjoy learning. The headteacher provides compassionate and effective leadership with a clear focus on improvement. Leaders understand the school’s strengths and areas for development and plan carefully for continued progress. They place high importance on staff well-being and professional learning, which helps teachers to refine their practice and improve the quality of teaching and learning. Governors know the school well and provide effective support and challenge."

"Teachers plan a rich and stimulating curriculum that reflects the diversity of the community and the school’s Welsh identity. Learning experiences spark curiosity and creativity and help pupils to think for themselves. This approach supports pupils to develop strong thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age. Teachers set high expectations that encourage pupils to persevere and challenge themselves. They guide pupils to review and improve their work thoughtfully, which helps them to build confidence and independence in their learning. Most pupils, including those with additional learning needs (ALN) and those affected by poverty, make good progress from their individual starting points."

"They develop effective literacy, numeracy and digital skills and apply these appropriately across their learning. Most pupils enjoy learning Welsh and take part enthusiastically in lessons, although pupils need more opportunities to develop their oracy skills to make consistent progress. The school’s ‘Roots’ provision, is housed in a calm and welcoming space for pupils who sometimes find the classroom environment overwhelming. Staff help pupils to rebuild confidence and manage their emotions so they can return to class ready to learn. ‘Roots’ also provides a base for family and agency work, ensuring effective and well-coordinated support for pupils."

Estyn made 1 recommendation: (1) Improve pupils’ Welsh oracy skills.

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are a busy, happy and successful school. Our dedicated team of practitioners ensure that our children enjoy their time in school with high expectations and aspirations based in an inclusive learning environment."

The nearest other state primary schools to Danescourt Primary School are Peter Lea Primary School (0.5 miles), Ysgol Pencae (0.5 miles), Hawthorn Primary School (0.6 miles) and Ysgol Gynradd Groes-Wen Primary (0.6 miles).

The nearest railway station is Danescourt Rail Station, about 410 metres away (roughly a 5-minute walk).

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Blethin Close (opposite), 140 metres away.