Ysgol Brynaerau, Gwynedd

Ysgol Brynaerau 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 54 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

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

Year groups range from 2 pupils (Year 4) to 9 (Year 3).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £6,445 per pupil, against £4,642 in 2021-22. It carried forward £75k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its November 2025 inspection summarises Ysgol Brynaerau like this:

"The Talaerau federation, which includes Ysgol Talysarn and Ysgol Brynaerau, is a warm and caring community in which pupils’ wellbeing and progress is at the core of its ethos. The headteacher provides clear and inspiring leadership, and staff share and implement her vision effectively. The relationship of respect and kindness between staff and pupils is strong, which contributes to a safe and stimulating environment in which pupils are ready to learn. Through effective joint planning, teachers provide a broad and rich curriculum that engages pupils' interests and provides purposeful opportunities for almost all to apply their literacy, numeracy and digital skills in meaningful ways."

"There is a strong emphasis on developing pupils' skills to become independent learners and, as a result, almost all develop into confident learners who take responsibility for their learning. Staff are robust language models and provide regular opportunities to nurture natural Welsh speakers. As a result, pupils show increasing confidence in their oral skills and develop pride in their Welsh identity. Through class themes, reflection periods and worship sessions, pupils have opportunities to explore values such as kindness, respect and empathy, which contribute to their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in a beneficial way."

"The pupil's voice is an established element of the life and work of the federation, with pupil groups contributing purposefully to important aspects of the school, including promoting regular attendance and punctuality. However, the rate of continuous absence of a few pupils remains above the national average. Leaders ensure that professional learning opportunities are planned carefully, and this has a very positive effect on improving the quality of teaching and pupils’ progress. Governors offer appropriate challenge and beneficial support in monitoring and evaluating the provision."

Estyn made 1 recommendation: (1) Improve the attendance of a few pupils.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Brynaerau are Ysgol Yr Eifl (3.4 miles), Ysgol Gynradd Llanllyfni (3.5 miles), Ysgol Gynradd Nebo (3.9 miles) and Ysgol Bro Lleu (4.1 miles).

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Ysgol Brynaerau.

3 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Swyddfa'r Post Office (adjacent), 180 metres away.