Ynysfach Primary School, Neath

Ynysfach 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 139 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

23% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 11% have additional learning needs; and 6% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 11 pupils (Year 2) to 25 (Year 5).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,955 per pupil, against £3,939 in 2021-22. It ended 2024-25 with a deficit of £83k.

Estyn's report on its October 2022 inspection summarises Ynysfach Primary School like this:

"Ynysfach Primary School is a warm and vibrant community where pupils and parents feel cared for and welcome. Pupils enjoy their time in school and are supported by adults who understand their needs and interests well. The positive relationships between pupils and staff encourage all pupils to show a responsible attitude in lessons and demonstrate excellent behaviour around the school. Pupils show a strong understanding of their individual rights and enjoy taking on leadership roles within the school and contributing their support for the local community. Because of these strong ties, many pupils develop their understanding of citizenship purposefully."

"Most pupils make good progress in their learning during their time in the school and achieve well. Teachers plan suitable learning experiences that help pupils to develop their skills progressively. In the best instances, they link this learning to real-life situations that motivate pupils to work with focus and ambition. However, teachers do not always expect enough of pupils or provide sufficient scope for them to test out their ideas independently, including through practical activities in and out of doors. Senior leaders set a clear vision for the school that combines strong support for pupils’ well- being with a sustained focus on securing individual progress."

"They have a sound understanding of the school’s strengths but do not evaluate closely enough the overall quality of teaching to identify key aspects for improvement. Leaders listen and respond well to the views of pupils, parents and the wider community. Governors provide knowledgeable and committed support for the school and question leaders effectively."

Estyn made 4 recommendations: (1) Ensure that teaching challenges all pupils to think for themselves and apply their skills purposefully; (2) Provide more opportunity for pupils to develop their independent learning, including in the outdoors; (3) Strengthen monitoring processes to focus more sharply on the quality and impact of teaching; (4) Provide a broad and progressive range of learning experiences that develop pupils’ digital skills fully.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ynysfach Primary School are Creunant Primary School (2.8 miles), Blaengwrach Primary School (2.8 miles), Glyncorrwg Primary School (3.5 miles) and Blaendulais Primary School (4 miles).

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

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Church Hall (outside), 120 metres away.