St Gabriel & Raphael R.C.P. School, Tonypandy

St Gabriel & Raphael R.C.P. 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 160 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

15% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 4% have additional learning needs (9% in 2020/21); 23% are learning English as an additional language; and 48% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 13 pupils (Year 3) to 23 (Year 5).

Estyn's report on its June 2026 inspection summarises St Gabriel & Raphael R.C.P. School like this:

"St Gabriel and Raphael is a welcoming, inclusive and nurturing school where nearly all pupils enjoy learning and most make good progress from their starting points. The school has fostered a positive sense of community in which diversity is celebrated, pupils feel safe and valued, and well-being, belonging and achievement are promoted successfully. The headteacher provides highly effective leadership and has created a positive culture where pupils, staff and families are supported to thrive. Staff work collaboratively and are committed to improving outcomes and experiences for all pupils. Governors know the school well and provide effective support and challenge to leaders. A notable strength of the school is the way teachers create imaginative and engaging learning experiences that inspire pupils' curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm for learning."

"Through a rich range of practical, creative and outdoor activities, pupils make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them. The school has established an effective reading culture. The use of engaging texts, opportunities to read for pleasure and innovative approaches, including the use of digital technology, support pupils to develop their reading skills and broaden their understanding of the world. This strong reading culture is supported by a whole-school focus on language and literacy, helping pupils become confident and effective communicators. Pupils develop increasing confidence in their use of Welsh. They respond appropriately to questions and use an expanding range of vocabulary and language patterns."

"Many pupils develop their mathematical knowledge and skills well. However, they do not have sufficient opportunities to apply and deepen their numeracy skills across a broad range of curriculum contexts. Teachers and support staff know pupils well. They provide effective support and challenge to meet their individual needs, particularly for those with additional learning needs (ALN). Teachers provide regular feedback that supports pupils’ progress well. Opportunities for pupils to identify their own next steps and take ownership of their learning are less well developed."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Continue to embed and increase opportunities for pupils to apply their numeracy skills across the curriculum; (2) Provide pupils with more opportunities to take ownership of their learning by reflecting on, and responding to, feedback independently to improve their work.

The nearest other state primary schools to St Gabriel & Raphael R.C.P. School are Trealaw Primary School (0.3 miles), Llwynypia Primary School (0.6 miles), Alaw Primary School (0.8 miles) and Williamstown Primary School (1.1 miles).

The nearest railway station is Tonypandy Rail Station, about 240 metres away (roughly a 3-minute walk).

14 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Co-op (outside), 100 metres away.