Gorwelion Newydd, Wrexham

Gorwelion Newydd 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 February 2024 inspection summarises Gorwelion Newydd like this:

"Gorwelion Newydd pupil referral unit (PRU) provides a calm, nurturing and purposeful environment, which supports pupils’ well-being and learning strongly. Staff are highly effective role models and foster successful working relationships with pupils, which are based on trust and mutual respect. As a result, most pupils make strong progress during their time at the PRU and achieve standards in line with their expectations. A few pupils make exceptional progress. Leaders and staff articulate a clear vision for teaching and learning. They work diligently to develop and adapt the curriculum offer across the three sites. They communicate high expectations and are aspirational for pupils. The curriculum is broad, balanced, and purposeful, with a clear rationale, offering a range of beneficial experiences in authentic contexts. As a result, pupils are motivated to learn and have strong positive attitudes to learning and attendance. There is a comprehensive curriculum offer for older pupils, which prepares them well for their possible future pathways."

"This includes a range of courses, including GCSEs, entry level and vocational pathways. A wide range of private providers, co- ordinated by the lead for education other than at school (EOTAS), extends and strengthens the offer further for pupils. As a result, when they leave, many pupils move on to purposeful education, employment, or training. Staff know pupils extremely well. They have a flexible approach and adapt learning experiences well in response to the needs, behaviour, and well-being of pupils. Strategies to manage behaviour are consistent, with pupils having clear expectations and boundaries in place. As a result, pupil behaviour is very good. Attendance processes are highly effective across the PRU. Processes and systems are well established and, as a result, many pupils make strong progress in their personal attendance rates from their initial starting points. Each site has a school council that meet regularly."

"Members take great pride in their work and play a valuable part in the life of the PRU. Members speak positively about the positive impact on their confidence and their genuine pride in being part of Wrexham community at the PRU. They identify changes that have been made at their sites because of issues they have raised, such as the introduction of curriculum options and the redecoration of areas of the PRU. The curriculum is a valuable vehicle used effectively to promote pupils’ awareness of keeping themselves safe and develop their understanding of their rights . Leaders and staff, together with the management committee, have robust processes in place to safeguard pupils. These are well established and are a strong feature of the PRU. The headteacher and senior leaders have created a highly effective culture of collaborative and transparent working arrangements with key partners. The communication and working relationship with parents and carers are strong. As a result, strategic leadership of the PRU is a strength. Inspection of Gorwelion Newydd / New Horizons"

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Improve pupils’ digital skills; (2) Strengthen the collaborative working arrangements with mainstream schools to secure successful return to mainstream education for pupils where appropriate.

The nearest railway station is Wrexham General Rail Station, about 450 metres away (roughly a 6-minute walk).

12 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Park Street (before), 100 metres away.