Durand Primary School, Monmouthshire

Durand 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 220 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

15% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 7% have additional learning needs (11% in 2020/21); and 10% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 24 pupils (Year 4) to 31 (Year 3).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,457 per pupil, against £3,933 in 2021-22. It carried forward £93k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

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

"Durand Primary is a welcoming and nurturing school where most pupils feel safe and supported. There are strong relationships between pupils, staff, parents, and the community, which helps create a positive atmosphere. There are beneficial arrangements to support pupils’ well-being. Pupils have frequent opportunities to share their views and influence school life. Most pupils behave well and engage fully with school life and learning. Most pupils, including those with additional needs (ALN) or those who are affected by poverty, make good progress and develop effective literacy, numeracy, digital and Welsh language communication skills over time."

"The curriculum is broad and balanced and offers pupils meaningful and engaging learning experiences. Learning is based on questions that encourage pupils to explore and think deeply. Pupils learn about their local area, Wales, and the wider world, which helps them to develop a sense of belonging, understand diversity and develop respect for others. The headteacher has a clear vision and high expectations for teaching and learning. Under her leadership, staff work together to improve teaching. Most teaching is effective."

"Teachers use assessment information well to plan lessons that challenge and support pupils. They provide regular and effective feedback that supports pupils to move forward in their learning. In classes for younger learners, adults tend to provide too much direction for pupils. This limits pupils’ independence and opportunities for them to think creatively. Leaders know the strengths and areas for development of the school well and prioritise the most appropriate areas for improvement, such as improving the quality of teaching and learning. Governors support and challenge the school effectively."

Estyn made 1 recommendation: (1) Improve opportunities for younger pupils to develop as independent and creative thinkers and learners.

The nearest other state primary schools to Durand Primary School are Castle Park Primary School (0.4 miles), Dewstow Primary School (0.5 miles), Archbishop Rowan Williams CIW School (1.1 miles) and Rogiet C.P. School (1.3 miles).

The nearest railway station is Caldicot Rail Station, about 610 metres away (roughly a 8-minute walk).

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Kestrel Close (near), 100 metres away.