St John Lloyd R.C. Primary School, Cardiff

St John Lloyd R.C. 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 345 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

39% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 5% have additional learning needs (32% in 2020/21); 28% are learning English as an additional language; and 62% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 34 pupils (Year 2) to 53 (Year 3).

Estyn's report on its May 2026 inspection summarises St John Lloyd R.C. Primary School like this:

"St John Lloyd RC Primary School is a welcoming, inclusive learning community where support for pupils’ well-being is at the heart of all aspects of school life. Nearly all pupils enjoy school and feel safe and secure. The headteacher and staff build strong, respectful relationships with pupils, parents and one another and this contributes very well to the school’s family ethos. Nearly all pupils enjoy coming to school and engage well in their lessons. Pupils demonstrate good attitudes and take appropriate ownership for aspects of their learning, including making suggestions on how and what they learn. The school provides pupils with a range of experiences that enrich learning through a broad and engaging curriculum that celebrates the history and culture of Wales well."

"Teachers ensure that many pupils make good progress from their starting points, including those with additional learning needs (ALN) and those from low-income households. They establish supportive classroom environments and strong working relationships. In the most effective lessons, teachers use questioning successfully to support pupils’ progress but, in too many lessons, over-direction limits opportunities for pupils to develop as effective independent learners. Most pupils read well and become fluent, expressive readers. They develop secure mathematical knowledge and understanding and use digital technology to enhance their learning. Teachers use the Welsh language regularly throughout the day and pupils make good progress in developing their Welsh language skills, using it naturally in the daily life of the school."

"Leaders have a secure knowledge of the school’s community context and staff work closely with parents through family learning events and targeted support to enhance pupils’ learning and well-being and to improve attendance. Family engagement is a strength, with staff providing tailored support that helps families access learning opportunities and to play an active role in school life. Although leaders and governors use monitoring appropriately to evaluate the quality of teaching and learning, they do not always identify important aspects where improvement is needed to further develop pupils’ wider skills. Governors support the school appropriately. They engage well with staff and have a sound understanding of the school’s day-to-day work."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Sharpen self-evaluation to focus closely on improving the quality of teaching; (2) Address inconsistencies in teaching to ensure all pupils develop as independent thinkers and learners.

The school runs after-school care until 5:30pm.

The nearest other state primary schools to St John Lloyd R.C. Primary School are Trowbridge Primary School (0.2 miles), Ysgol Pen Y Pil (0.2 miles), Meadowlane Primary School (0.4 miles) and Oakfield Primary School (0.7 miles).

The nearest railway station is Cardiff Queen Street Rail Station, about 3.6 miles away in a straight line.

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Cemaes Way (before), 70 metres away.