Talley School, Carmarthenshire

Talley School is a Welsh-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 49 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

14% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 12% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 3 pupils (Year 4) to 11 (Year 3).

Estyn's report on its June 2023 inspection summarises Talley School like this:

"Ysgol Talyllychau provides a happy and hardworking environment where pupils show respect and behaviour of the highest standard. The school is an inclusive learning community where all pupils are respected and developed as well-rounded and responsible individuals. Staff care for the health and well-being of pupils highly successfully. They provide valuable opportunities for pupils to discuss their feelings and have support with their learning and emotional well-being, where necessary. Provision for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) is a strength. Staff provide a rich curriculum that includes the pupil’s voice regularly. In the best practices, teaching motivates children successfully and captures their interest regularly."

"Teachers plan exciting and interesting activities for pupils, which develops them as independent learners successfully from a young age. They provide beneficial oral feedback so that pupils make progress during learning sessions, however, written feedback is inconsistent. Staff use the classrooms and the wider area to stimulate pupils’ learning and to support their education very effectively. Most pupils develop their skills strongly during their time at the school. The school has a strong Welsh ethos. Pupils are given experiences that develop them to become citizens who are proud and knowledgeable about their area and heritage. They are an integral part of the village and the wider community."

"The headteacher, assistant headteacher and all staff create an effective team that works for the benefit of pupils. They meet with staff from other schools in the federation regularly to share good practice, learn from each other and make the most of their resources. Leaders identify the school’s strengths and are aware of what needs to be improved, although priorities are not always clear enough or easy to measure efficiently. The governing body is very supportive of the school and knows it well. Members are very knowledgeable about a number of important aspects of the school, including funding. As a result, they provide relevant support and challenge and ensure value for money."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Ensure that the school’s priorities for improvement are clear and measurable; (2) Ensure that teachers’ feedback supports pupils to improve their work regularly.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Talley School.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Bancelwydd, 280 metres away.