Ysgol Dolbadarn, Gwynedd

Ysgol Dolbadarn 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 124 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 19% have additional learning needs (32% in 2020/21); and 7% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 12 pupils (Reception) to 27 (Year 5).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,757 per pupil, against £3,927 in 2021-22. It carried forward £212k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its February 2026 inspection summarises Ysgol Dolbadarn like this:

"The headteacher is a strong leader who inspires others successfully. She has a clear vision for creating a caring and welcoming learning environment where all pupils are encouraged to aim high. This vision is shared effectively with the school community and a strong sense of belonging permeates the life of the school. Pupils' wellbeing and happiness are at the heart of provision, and respectful relationships between staff and pupils help to ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere for learning. Most pupils show positive attitudes to their work, which supports good attendance and behaviour. They make good progress in their literacy, numeracy and digital skills."

"From an early age, many develop confident speaking skills in Welsh, and by the end of their time at the school, most communicate skilfully in Welsh and English. Pupils' reading and writing skills develop robustly over time, enabling them to write for different purposes and discuss texts maturely. They also apply their problem-solving skills across a range of activities successfully. Strong emphasis is placed on promoting the Welsh language and Welsh culture, fostering a strong sense of identity and pride among pupils. Effective arrangements are in place to support pupils with additional learning needs, and the caring provision helps most pupils to make sound progress from their starting points. On the whole, purposeful teaching supports pupils to develop their independent learning skills well and to recall previous learning skilfully."

"Stimulating experiences encourage pupils to reflect on their learning successfully and meet most pupils’ needs purposefully. However, the most effective teaching practices are not always consistent enough across the school. Leaders evaluate the provision purposefully and have an appropriate understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Governors undertake their roles conscientiously, and strong partnerships with parents and the community enrich pupils' experiences and support their well-being and development effectively."

Estyn made 1 recommendation: (1) Ensure that the most effective teaching practices are consistent across the school.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Dolbadarn are Ysgol Gwaun Gynfi (2 miles), Ysgol Gymuned Penisarwaun (2.8 miles), Ysgol Waunfawr (3.2 miles) and Ysgol Llanrug (3.3 miles).

The nearest tram or metro stop is Llanberis (Snowdon Mountain Railway), about 620 metres away (roughly a 8-minute walk).

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Dolbadarn Hotel (outside), 230 metres away.