Somerton Primary School, Newport

Somerton 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 170 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

33% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 18% have additional learning needs (33% in 2020/21); 24% are learning English as an additional language; and 63% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

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

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,652 per pupil, against £4,341 in 2021-22. It carried forward £218k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its February 2024 inspection summarises Somerton Primary School like this:

"Somerton Primary School is federated with nearby Eveswell Primary School. They share an executive headteacher and a governing body. Both schools work together effectively to improve provision for pupils in a mutually beneficial way. For example, staff at Somerton support colleagues at Eveswell in developing nurture provision, while Eveswell shares its expertise in curriculum development. Over recent years, leaders have worked hard to develop consistent approaches to teaching and learning through high expectation, teamworking and continual improvement. Recently, however, Somerton has experienced significant staff absence, which has impacted on this work. Staff work together to create a safe and supportive environment in which pupils blossom."

"The school’s nurture provision is a notable feature of this work. Staff know their pupils and their families well. As a result of these trusting relationships, pupils know who to turn to for help, should they need it. Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. Teachers and support staff endeavour to develop positive attitudes to inclusion. The school celebrates the diversity of its community and encourages pupils to develop an understanding of the heritage and culture of Wales. During their time at the school, pupils develop their knowledge and skills well and make strong progress from their starting points."

"Teachers often use pupils’ thoughts and ideas to create engaging lessons. However, the effectiveness of these lessons in ensuring that all pupils have a suitable level of challenge and engagement is too variable. Coupled with this, the learning environments, particularly in the younger classes, limit the opportunities for pupils to be curious and become independent learners. The school encourages pupils to develop their interests well. There are a wide range of extra-curricular activities that encourage pupils to develop new skills and knowledge. In addition, the school arranges interesting places to visit to extend their learning. Staff are beginning to work with pupils to help them to develop their leadership skills through the various pupil voice groups and strengthen their voice in shaping their school."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Improve the quality and consistency of teaching to ensure that all pupils have suitable challenge and are actively engaged in their learning; (2) Improve the learning environments to support teaching, particularly for younger pupils to develop their independence and curiosity.

The nearest other state primary schools to Somerton Primary School are Alway Primary (0.3 miles), St Patrick's R.C. Primary School (0.4 miles), St Andrew's Primary School (0.6 miles) and Lliswerry Primary School (0.6 miles).

The nearest railway station is Newport (S Wales) Rail Station, about 1.7 miles away in a straight line.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Lawrence Hill (before), 170 metres away.