Padre Pio RC Primary, Pontypool

Padre Pio RC Primary 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 175 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

22% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 17% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 18 pupils (Reception) to 32 (Year 6).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,476 per pupil, against £3,828 in 2021-22. It carried forward £111k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its February 2025 inspection summarises Padre Pio RC Primary like this:

"Leaders and staff prioritise pupils’ happiness and well-being at Padre Pio R.C. Primary School. Pupils feel safe and are polite and respectful to others, and their behaviour is exemplary. Staff develop positive working relationships with pupils, and most pupils engage enthusiastically with their learning. The school has a thoughtful approach to professional learning, and this has supported staff to improve their practice, for instance in the provision for younger pupils. Staff provide valuable opportunities for younger pupils to explore their interests and develop a sense of curiosity."

"However, in the older classes there is a tendency for teachers to over- direct learning, which limits pupils’ ability to develop their independence. Across the school, staff use questioning and feedback effectively and provide a good level of challenge for pupils. Nearly all pupils, including those eligible for free school meals, make at least good progress in their literacy, mathematics and digital skills. School leaders provide strong, considerate leadership and they establish effective links with families. This supports parents to understand the progress their child is making and to play a part in the school’s direction. Leaders have implemented national priorities successfully, such as additional learning needs (ALN) reform."

"However, there has been an insufficient focus on the Welsh language, and most pupils do not develop their skills well enough. Staff develop pupils’ physical and creative skills well. Pupils benefit from a range of sporting activities and enjoy learning to play musical instruments. Governors have a suitable understanding of the school’s priorities and have a sound understanding of keeping pupils safe. However, they have limited involvement in gathering first-hand evidence to evaluate the work of the school, such as the quality of teaching and learning."

Estyn made 3 recommendations: (1) Develop the independent learning skills of older pupils; (2) Ensure that the curriculum develops pupils’ Welsh skills progressively; (3) Strengthen the role of governors in self-evaluation and improvement planning to ensure that they provide suitable challenge to the school.

From the headteacher's welcome: "Padre Pio School is a Catholic family where we pray and learn in peace with each other. We are a small and friendly school located in the heart of Pontypool. We welcome applications from all families of all faiths (and no faith)."

The school runs after-school care.

The nearest other state primary schools to Padre Pio RC Primary are George Street Primary School (under 0.1 miles), Penygarn Primary School (0.6 miles), Cwmffrwdoer Primary School (0.9 miles) and Ysgol Panteg (1.7 miles).

The nearest railway station is Pontypool & New Inn Rail Station, about 1.5 miles away in a straight line.

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Amberley Place (near), 150 metres away.