Llanhari Primary School, Pontyclun

Llanhari 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 152 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

29% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 8% have additional learning needs (23% in 2020/21); 4% are learning English as an additional language; and 16% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 13 pupils (Year 1) to 28 (Year 6).

Estyn's report on its March 2024 inspection summarises Llanhari Primary School like this:

"Llanhari Primary School is an inclusive happy school. Leaders have created a clear vision and work purposefully to ensure a safe and inclusive environment where pupils and staff feel valued and supported. Nearly all pupils behave well in lessons and around the school and show strong levels of well-being. Staff work well as a team and have high expectations of themselves and their pupils. All staff at the school are committed to ensuring that pupils make the best progress possible. Dedicated staff support the learning and well-being needs of targeted pupils effectively through a range of interventions. The school’s curriculum promotes a sense of belonging, equity and diversity."

"Teachers provide rich and authentic learning experiences for the pupils that encourage them to engage enthusiastically with their lessons and activities. However, there are limited opportunities for pupils to develop their independence and the skills to improve their own learning. The headteacher actively encourages families to play a part in school life. For example, they hold regular parent workshops that focus on the school’s improvement priorities and consult the Parent Council about how to make improvements. Pupils develop their speaking skills effectively and most listen well to others. From an early age, they enjoy expressing themselves, sharing their ideas and talking about their experiences. The school offers a well-planned range of activities that enhance the pupils’ creative skills, for example many pupils are encouraged to participate in performances using a range of different instruments."

"The school monitors the progress of individual pupils carefully and senior leaders regularly discuss this with teaching staff and pupils. Teachers and support staff provide effective opportunities for pupils to develop a broad range of skills in their work across the curriculum. However, provision to develop pupils’ skills in Welsh is less well-developed. Governors support leaders well. They have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They visit the school regularly and carry out link visits with a clear focus. Professional development and learning for staff are a strength of the school and the school manages its resources well."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Improve pupils’ Welsh language skills; (2) Provide further opportunities for pupils to respond to feedback and to develop as independent learners.

In its own words: "Llanhari Primary is the heart of the diverse community of Llanharry in the county of Rhondda Cynon Taf. We provide education to approximately 190 learners from three to seven years old, including full time nursery provision. The three-year average for pupils eligible for free school meals is around 30.34 %."

From the headteacher's welcome: "On behalf of myself, the governors, staff and pupils of Llanhari Primary I would like to welcome you to our excellent school. Our school motto is " Together we care, share and achieve " which underpins our commitment and dedication in nurturing all children to achieve their best. Choosing the right school for your child is vitally important."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, choir, ukulele, cooking and gardening.

The school runs a breakfast club.

Coming up: an open evening on Wednesday 2 December 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

The nearest other state primary schools to Llanhari Primary School are Llansannor C.I.W. Primary School (0.7 miles), Dolau Primary (1.6 miles), Pontyclun Primary School (2 miles) and Llanharan Primary School (2 miles).

The nearest railway station is Llanharan Rail Station, about 1.8 miles away in a straight line.

3 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Ysgol Llanharry (on), 110 metres away.