Ysgol David Hughes, Porthaethwy

Ysgol David Hughes 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 1102 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

12% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 11% have additional learning needs (30% in 2020/21); and 6% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 74 pupils (Year 13) to 192 (Year 10).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £6,786 per pupil, against £5,101 in 2021-22. It carried forward £83k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its February 2025 inspection summarises Ysgol David Hughes like this:

"Ysgol David Hughes is an inclusive community where many pupils have a supportive and stimulating learning experience. Many pupils treat their teachers and peers with respect and participate actively in pair or group discussions. Many teachers encourage pupils to work purposefully and manage their classes effectively, ensuring a positive learning environment. In a minority of lessons, teaching is not effective enough to ensure that pupils are challenged in full. For example, in some cases, activities are not challenging enough and too much guidance from the teacher can limit opportunities for pupils to develop their independence. The headteacher has a clear vision based on providing the best education for all the school’s pupils. The school’s leadership is sound."

"Although the senior leadership team are supportive of each other, roles and responsibilities within the team have not been distributed equitably and, as a result, they do not work strategically enough. Self- evaluation systems provide a useful insight into strengths and areas for improvement, but these need to be refined further to ensure that all areas that require improvement are targeted effectively. The school places a strong emphasis on pupils’ well-being, with a dedicated pastoral team that provides individual support to those who need it. Pupils’ well-being support centres provide a safe environment for pupils who face challenges and help them re-engage with their learning. By working with the local authority and external organisations, the school ensures that pupils have access to specialist support, when necessary. Attendance is a concern, with rates below the national average. Although suitable tracking systems are in place, more effective methods are needed to identify and address the challenges that affect attendance."

"Pupils’ views have a strong influence on school life, with an active school council that works with senior leaders to address issues such as bullying. A digital reporting system has increased pupils’ confidence in reporting problems and the school council’s website provides useful information for parents and the community. Thematic groups contribute positively to the school’s ethos. These include the UNICEF group which promotes equality, and the Welshness group which celebrates Welsh culture through activities in the local community. The school offers a balanced curriculum that provides pupils with rich learning opportunities, including vocational courses and partnerships with post-16 education providers. A comprehensive health and well-being programme helps pupils to develop resilience and an awareness of issues such as mental health and stress. Pupil questionnaires and parents’ contributions influence the development of the curriculum, ensuring that it is relevant to their needs."

Estyn made 4 recommendations: (1) Improve teaching by raising teachers’ expectations of what pupils can achieve and increase the level of challenge for pupils of all abilities; (2) Improve attendance; (3) Adapt the responsibilities of the senior leadership team so that everyone works strategically; (4) Sharpen planning for improvement processes to address the areas for improvement in the report in full.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Ysgol David Hughes are Ysgol Friars (1.3 miles) and Ysgol Tryfan (1.4 miles).

The nearest railway station is Llanfairpwll Rail Station, about 1.4 miles away in a straight line.

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Ysgol David Hughes (in), 80 metres away.