Libanus Primary School, Caerphilly

Libanus 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 345 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 (14% in 2020/21); 2% are learning English as an additional language; and 6% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 28 pupils (Year 1) to 46 (Year 5).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £4,665 per pupil, against £3,453 in 2021-22. It carried forward £45k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its March 2025 inspection summarises Libanus Primary School like this:

"Libanus Primary School provides a warm, friendly, nurturing environment that promotes pupils' personal, social, and emotional development very well. The headteacher has a clear vision, leads with strong direction, and creates a safe and inclusive learning environment. Staff place a high priority on ensuring that they meet all pupils’ well-being needs. Pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) receive high-quality support to meet their individual targets. Strong leadership at all levels has helped the school achieve positive changes. The curriculum is well-planned and offers interesting and motivating learning experiences."

"Teachers challenge and support pupils effectively. Careful planning ensures that pupils develop skills progressively, and most pupils make good progress across all areas of learning. The school's approach enables pupils to apply their literacy and numeracy skills to other areas, work independently, and improve their skills. Pupils’ development of their creative, physical and digital skills are strengths of the school. Overall, there are not enough opportunities for pupils to use their Welsh language skills around the school, and this inhibits their confidence in using the language. Staff build strong relationships with pupils and set high expectations."

"This results in pupils having positive attitudes to learning and displaying exemplary behaviour. Pupils have a strong voice in the school and are keen to take on leadership responsibilities. They are proud of the changes that their work has brought about, such as highlighting what pupils should do if they experience any bullying. Effective partnership work with parents and external agencies promotes good attendance successfully. Robust procedures for monitoring and evaluation ensure continuous improvement in pupil performance and teaching standards. Governors provide valuable support, have a good knowledge of the school's work, and contribute well to school life."

Estyn made 1 recommendation: (1) Continue to improve pupils’ Welsh language speaking skills and provide more opportunities for them to use Welsh around the school.

From the headteacher's welcome: "I hope it provides you with the information you require and a glimpse into the life of our wonderful school. I honestly believe that Libanus is a place where children can soar! Our original building has been on our site since 1915, educating children for over a hundred years!"

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, rugby, cricket, drama, choir, Lego and film.

The nearest other state primary schools to Libanus Primary School are Pontllanfraith Primary School (0.5 miles), Penllwyn Primary School (0.5 miles), Blackwood Primary School (0.6 miles) and Bryn Primary School (0.8 miles).

The nearest railway station is Hengoed Rail Station, about 1.6 miles away in a straight line.

7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Blackwood Gate Retail Park (opposite), 60 metres away.