Stanwell School, The Vale of Glamorgan

Stanwell 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 1957 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

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

Of its pupils, 4% have additional learning needs (13% in 2020/21); 5% are learning English as an additional language; and 25% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 206 pupils (Year 13) to 314 (Year 9).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,940 per pupil, against £4,270 in 2021-22. It carried forward £374k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its February 2022 inspection summarises Stanwell School like this:

"Stanwell School offers pupils a stimulating learning environment and a wide range of opportunities for them to pursue their own interests. Senior leaders provide a clear direction to staff and have high expectations for continuous improvement. They have fostered an ethos where staff are confident to be innovative and experiment with their teaching methods. Senior leaders understand the importance of developing subject- specific teaching methodologies and trust middle leaders to promote strategies that engage pupils' curiosity and capture their interest. In most cases, the quality of teaching is high. Leaders are placing an increasing focus on pupils’ well-being and staff show high levels of respect and care for pupils. The school also offers pupils valuable opportunities to take on key leadership roles and get their voice heard."

"The school offers pupils a wide range of educational, sporting and cultural experiences that allows them to pursue their interests and develop their talents. There are particular strengths in how the school offers advice to pupils to help them make choices for the next stage in their life. However, pupils make their subject choices at the end of Year 8, which limits their opportunities to study subjects such as art and music. In most cases, teachers are enthusiastic about their subject and plan their lessons carefully to ensure pupils make strong progress. There are very positive working relationships between staff and pupils and, in many cases, teachers encourage and support pupils to progress to the best of their ability. Most pupils have positive attitudes towards learning and many are aspirational. They are articulate and have good reading skills, although they do not always make enough progress in their ability to communicate in Welsh."

"In general, pupils make strong gains in their subject understanding and skills, although in a few instances teachers do not ensure that pupils understand the reasoning behind the methods they use to solve particular problems. Pupils with additional learning needs make good progress as a result of well-considered, individualised support. Staff are sensitive to pupils' needs and consistently promote a positive culture based on high aspirations, inclusivity and respect. The school's provision for personal and social education is well considered and comprehensive, although pupils feel that they do not get enough time during the school day to relax, socialise or pursue their own interests. Overall, pupils' behaviour is good and in many cases it is exemplary. In most instances, pupils interact well with one an other and support each others' learning. They listen carefully to their peers' views and respond maturely to them."

Estyn made 3 recommendations: (1) Improve teachers' use of questioning to develop pupils' ability to think independently; (2) Ensure that pupils get enough time during the school day to relax, socialise or pursue their own interests; (3) Increase the range of opportunities that pupils have to practise their Welsh.

In its own words: "It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to Stanwell School. This is a very special place with a long tradition of excellence and a relentless focus on standards and continuous improvement."

Coming up: an open day on Tuesday 10 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Stanwell School are St Cyres Comprehensive School (0.6 miles), St Richard Gwyn R.C. High School (2.7 miles), Fitzalan High School (3 miles) and Cardiff West Community High School (3.6 miles).

The nearest railway station is Penarth Rail Station, about 600 metres away (roughly a 7-minute walk).

26 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Stanwell School (outside), 80 metres away.