Howell's School, Cardiff

Howell's School 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 Howell's School like this:

"Howell’s School is an extremely happy school community built upon a culture of kindness and the humble pursuit of excellence. Collectively, senior leaders, governors and staff have fostered an environment which values learning, opportunity and growth. During their time at the school, many pupils make exceptional progress compared to their peers nationally. Pupils’ performance in public examinations is consistently significantly above national norms, with the school’s results being among the strongest in the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST). Nearly all pupils leave the school with the academic and life skills which prepare them extremely effectively for their future destinations and ambitions. Across the school, nearly all pupils display curiosity and conscientiousness in their work. Their behaviour is exemplary. Most pupils persevere and develop high levels of resilience, either through problem solving or active participation in a wide range of enrichment activities. Pupils have extensive opportunities to celebrate and discover other cultures and regularly raise money to support local and international charities."

"The school supports pupils to appreciate and understand the wider world, whilst developing as highly confident and courageous learners. Teachers are passionate and committed, and know their pupils extremely well. Trusting, positive and supportive relationships are a hallmark of the school. Teachers are highly knowledgeable and use their expertise to build relevant links across the curriculum. Senior school teachers have a strong understanding of the requirements to achieve highly in public examinations. Across the school, staff have the highest expectations, which they apply alongside the school motto to ‘work hard and be kind’. Senior leaders operate and lead the school highly effectively, seamlessly blending professionalism and compassion. Governors, both at Trust and a local level, provide effective oversight and strong pastoral support. Consequently, staff feel empowered and continuously drive the high standards of learning, well-being and belonging at the school."

"The school complies with all of the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003. Compliance with the regulations for registration Independent school inspections are governed by the Education Act 2002 and related regulations: the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003. These regulations require an independent school to meet an appropriate standard in the following areas: The quality of education provided by the school The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. Welfare, health and safety of pupils The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The suitability of proprietors and staff The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. Premises of and boarding accommodation at schools The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The provision of information The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The manner in which complaints are to be handled The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard."

Estyn made 1 recommendation: (1) Continue to refine quality assurance approaches to identifying aspects of teaching that would benefit from further improvement.

Estyn follow-up status: The school does not require any follow-up activity by Estyn..

The nearest railway station is Waun-gron Park Rail Station, about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

12 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Palace Road (opp 45), 180 metres away.