Waunfawr Primary School, Caerphilly

Waunfawr 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 170 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

16% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 9% have additional learning needs (13% in 2020/21); and 6% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 10 pupils (Year 2) to 29 (Year 5).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £4,891 per pupil, against £3,611 in 2021-22. It carried forward £142k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its May 2025 inspection summarises Waunfawr Primary School like this:

"Leaders, governors, staff, and parents at Waunfawr Primary School work collaboratively to foster a strong sense of belonging. Pupils take pride in their school and feel happy, safe, and supported. The headteacher sets high expectations and leads with clarity and purpose, ensuring a consistent focus on pupil well-being and achievement. Governors play an integral role in the school, providing highly effective support and challenge to the headteacher and staff. Leaders and staff prioritise strong relationships with parents and carers. They communicate openly and involve families regularly in a wide range of school events and activities. Staff promote pupils values such as respect and kindness effectively through regular assemblies and active involvement in charity events. They provide pupils with meaningful opportunities to contribute to school life, particularly through a wide range of pupil voice groups."

"As a result, nearly all pupils behave well and develop into confident, responsible individuals who make a positive contribution to the life of the school. Staff place a strong and consistent emphasis on developing pupils’ speaking and listening skills. Most pupils listen attentively, respect the views of others, and contribute thoughtfully to discussions across the curriculum. Provision to develop pupils reading and writing skills supports most pupils to make good progress. Pupils have regular, worthwhile opportunities to use these skills in their work across the curriculum. Welsh language development is a notable strength. Many pupils confidently use spoken Welsh in everyday contexts. Teachers plan and deliver mathematics lessons well."

"They use a wide range of strategies that help pupils to understand key concepts and apply their skills confidently. This effective provision enables many pupils to make good progress in mathematics and numeracy. Overall, the school offers a broad and stimulating curriculum that promotes high aspirations and supports pupils to engage meaningfully in their learning. Teachers design purposeful and well-structured learning experiences that successfully develop pupils’ knowledge, skills, and understanding. However, there are too few opportunities for pupils to choose what they learn or make choices of how they complete their work. Support for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) is a notable strength. Staff identify needs early, monitor progress closely, and provide tailored support, helping most ALN pupils to make strong progress against their targets."

Estyn made 1 recommendation: (1) Improve opportunities for pupils to reflect on their learning, make choices about their work and develop as effective independent learners.

The nearest other state primary schools to Waunfawr Primary School are Cwmcarn Primary School (1.1 miles), Risca Primary School (1.2 miles), Ty Sign Primary School (1.6 miles) and Pentwynmawr Primary School (1.6 miles).

The nearest railway station is Crosskeys Rail Station, about 190 metres away (roughly a 2-minute walk).

7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Crosskeys Station (outside), 140 metres away.