St Michael's R.C. Primary School, Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

St Michael's 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 231 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

10% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 3% have additional learning needs; 36% are learning English as an additional language; and 51% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 29 pupils (Reception) to 35 (Year 4).

Estyn's report on its November 2025 inspection summarises St Michael's R.C. Primary School like this:

"St Michael’s Roman Catholic Primary School is a warm and happy inclusive learning environment with a welcoming ethos. Leaders and staff ensure that all pupils are safe, nurtured and supported. Overall, pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, sustaining concentration and behaving respectfully, which contributes to calm and purposeful classrooms. Strong relationships between staff and pupils foster high engagement and motivation. Across the school, most pupils make good progress in their literacy and mathematics lessons. They develop strong oracy and listening skills. Younger pupils benefit from well-planned activities to build their fine-motor and early writing skills. As they progress, pupils begin to write at length in a range of writing genres, with most older pupils writing creatively and at length. As they travel through school, most pupils develop effective reading skills, younger pupils increase their fluency well, whilst older pupils gain in confidence and become enthusiastic readers. Most pupils show growing confidence in spoken Welsh, though spontaneous use remains limited."

"Many pupils make strong progress in mathematics. In mathematics lessons they apply learning well in practical activities. Most pupils develop beneficial digital communication skills. Nearly all pupils understand online safety, However, teachers’ planning does not ensure that pupils have enough opportunity to apply the numeracy and digital skills in their learning across the curriculum. The school has an engaging curriculum that offers authentic experiences that promote high aspirations. Most pupils have appropriate influence over what and how they learn. Teachers’ assessment systems are robust, supporting effective progress for most learners, including those with additional needs. Teachers question effectively and provide feedback that pupils use well to improve their work. Most pupils develop independence and resilience. They also make good progress with their creative and physical skills and general well-being."

"The school celebrates diversity and local culture, fostering belonging and spiritual, moral, and cultural development. Pupils feel safe and well cared for. Provision for additional learning needs is strong. Staff collaborate well with each other and with outside agencies in order to ensure that the learning environment and resources are suitable and accessible to all pupils. Rates of pupil attendance are high. Leadership is a strength at the school. The headteacher has a clear vision for the education and well-being of pupils and distributes responsibilities effectively to make this vision a reality. She has successfully developed positive and trusting relationships with parents and the wider community. Governors provide beneficial support and scrutiny, ensuring financial stability and equity."

Estyn made 1 recommendation: (1) Improve provision and opportunities for older pupils to develop and apply their numeracy and digital skills in their work across the curriculum.

The nearest other state primary schools to St Michael's R.C. Primary School are Parclewis Primary School (0.5 miles), Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Awel Taf (0.7 miles), Coedpenmaen County Primary School (1.2 miles) and Maes-Y-Coed Primary School (1.3 miles).

The nearest railway station is Trefforest Rail Station, about 220 metres away (roughly a 3-minute walk).

17 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is University of South Wales (opposite), 80 metres away.