Ysgol Bod Alaw, Colwyn Bay

Ysgol Bod Alaw 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 332 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 7% have additional learning needs (14% in 2020/21); and 4% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 29 pupils (Year 6) to 48 (Reception).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £4,201 per pupil, against £3,591 in 2021-22. It carried forward £8k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its February 2024 inspection summarises Ysgol Bod Alaw like this:

"The extremely caring, friendly and supportive ethos that is a prominent feature of provision at Ysgol Bod Alaw permeates all aspects of its work. Pupils behave well and treat each other and adults respectfully and politely. The school’s culture of safeguarding is strong and pupils feel happy and safe while they work and play. They are extremely proud of their school and speak enthusiastically about their experiences. As a result of purposeful planning, many pupils make good progress in their language, numeracy and digital skills. They apply their skills confidently across the curriculum."

"The school’s arrangements for developing pupils’ physical skills are an obvious strength. Pupils enjoy the wide range of experiences they are given and make strong progress in this aspect. The school provides a stimulating curriculum that engages pupils’ interest successfully and reflects the local context effectively. Staff establish a supportive and fond working relationship with pupils and the learning areas are productive and lively places. On the whole, teachers use a good range of purposeful teaching methods that promote pupils’ motivation and progress. However, activities do not always challenge pupils to achieve to the best of their ability, particularly more able pupils."

"The headteacher is a passionate leader who aspires for the best possible learning experiences and well-being for all pupils. The headteacher is supported by a hard-working and highly conscientious team of staff who place an emphasis on ensuring that pupils enjoy their activities and are eager to learn. Governors provide the school with robust support and have a comprehensive understanding of their duties and responsibilities. They are dedicated and tireless advocates for the school in providing support to staff and leaders and ensuring that the school uses its resources appropriately."

Estyn made 1 recommendation: (1) Ensure an appropriate level of challenge to support pupils to develop their skills to the best of their ability, particularly more able pupils.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Bod Alaw are Ysgol Nant Y Groes (0.4 miles), Old Colwyn Junior C.P. School (0.7 miles), Ysgol Pen Y Bryn (0.8 miles) and St Joseph's R.C. Primary School (0.9 miles).

The nearest railway station is Colwyn Bay Rail Station, about 1000 metres away (roughly a 13-minute walk).

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Eirias Park Gates (before), 160 metres away.