Willowbrook Primary School, Cardiff

Willowbrook 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 416 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

33% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 6% have additional learning needs; 16% are learning English as an additional language; and 34% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 34 pupils (Reception) to 57 (Year 5).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £4,744 per pupil, against £3,518 in 2021-22. It carried forward £69k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its January 2026 inspection summarises Willowbrook Primary School like this:

"Willowbrook Primary School is a friendly and inclusive school where pupils feel safe, and ready to learn each day. Staff work in close partnership with pupils and families to create a positive learning environment. The ‘Willowbrook Way’ promotes shared expectations for behaviour and helps pupils develop respect, fairness and responsibility. This supports pupils’ positive attitudes and behaviour effectively across the school. The recently appointed headteacher provides strong and assured leadership. Leaders are highly visible and approachable and promote purposeful communication with pupils and families. Many pupils begin school with skills below those expected for their age."

"Over time, pupils grow in confidence, communicate well with others and engage positively in their learning. Pupils benefit from worthwhile opportunities to share their views and contribute to school life. The school provides a broad range of purposeful learning experiences that support pupils’ progress. As they move through the school, pupils become confident readers, their writing improves and most make good progress in mathematics. Pupils use digital technology to support their learning in meaningful contexts. The quality of teaching supports pupils’ learning well. Teachers set expectations for learning that help pupils understand their work and how to improve it."

"At times, learning is too directed by adults. This limits pupils’ opportunities to develop independence, particularly when writing at length. In the youngest classes, opportunities for play and exploration are not always matched closely enough to pupils’ developmental needs. Staff work closely with families to support pupils and help remove barriers to learning. Attendance is given a high priority across the school, and clear expectations and close work with families have led to sustained improvements over time. The school’s governors provide an effective balance of support and challenge and contribute to self-evaluation."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Provide increased opportunities for pupils to develop as independent learners; (2) Improve provision for the youngest pupils.

The nearest other state primary schools to Willowbrook Primary School are Meadowlane Primary School (0.5 miles), Bishop Childs C.I.W. Primary School (0.6 miles), Oakfield Primary School (0.8 miles) and St John Lloyd R.C. Primary School (0.9 miles).

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

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Willowbrook School (outside), 50 metres away.