St Andrews Major C.I.W. Primary School, Vale of Glamorgan

St Andrews Major C.I.W. 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 237 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 9% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 28 pupils (Year 3) to 30 (Year 1).

Estyn's report on its February 2024 inspection summarises St Andrews Major C.I.W. Primary School like this:

"St. Andrew’s Major CIW Primary School is a happy, inclusive school that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils. They clearly love coming to school where they make good progress with their social and academic skills. Pupils understand how much staff care for them and there is a feeling of mutual respect between adults and pupils. As a result, pupils’ behaviour is excellent. There is thoughtful and effective provision for pupils with additional learning needs."

"Pupils contribute well to a variety of groups and committees and give examples of where their influence has had a positive impact on school life. However, as they move through the school, teachers over-direct pupils’ learning and, as a result, limit their opportunities to develop as independent learners. The acting headteacher provides strong leadership and is well supported by other senior leaders. All staff work extremely hard to create this ethos which ensures a key role in promoting effective learning at school. Overall pupils make good progress with their skills in English and mathematics. Teachers and support staff provide high quality feedback to pupils and, as a result, pupils make strong progress in their learning, knowing which steps to take to improve their work."

"However, staff do not provide enough opportunities for pupils to make choices in their learning. Governors know the school very well and fulfil their role as critical friend, asking challenging questions about decision-making, which supports the acting headteacher in moving the school forward. Leaders keep in close contact with the wider school community and build on the positive relationships with parents. There is a clear sense of everyone working together at the school and leaders make decisions in the best interest of pupils."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Provide pupils with opportunities to develop their skills as independent learners; (2) Provide opportunities for pupils to make choices in their learning to develop a more engaging curriculum.

The nearest other state primary schools to St Andrews Major C.I.W. Primary School are Dinas Powys Primary School (0.9 miles), Palmerston Primary School (1.2 miles), St Joseph's R.C. Primary School (1.4 miles) and Ysgol Pen Y Garth (1.5 miles).

The nearest railway station is Dinas Powys Rail Station, about 720 metres away (roughly a 9-minute walk).

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St Andrews Major School (outside), 70 metres away.