Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn, Conwy

Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn is a bilingual (Welsh and English) school in Wales. Welsh schools are inspected by Estyn rather than Ofsted, and its latest report is published on Estyn's website.

It had 167 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

37% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 16% have additional learning needs (27% in 2020/21); 10% are learning English as an additional language; and 15% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 15 pupils (Reception) to 26 (Year 6).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £7,295 per pupil, against £5,269 in 2021-22. It carried forward £160k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

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

"Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn is a happy and inclusive school where pupils feel safe, respected and well supported by staff. The strong working relationships between staff and pupils create a warm, nurturing environment, and nearly all pupils behave well. They show a keen interest in their learning and take pride in their work. Leaders identify the school’s strengths and areas for development successfully and are strong role models. Members of the governing body know the school well and provide effective support. Staff provide pupils with many valuable opportunities to develop their literacy and numeracy skills. Younger pupils enthusiastically develop their early reading skills, while older pupils write with clarity for a wide range of purposes."

"Most pupils enjoy a range of texts and by the end of Year 6, read fluently and confidently. Most pupils become proficient mathematicians and regularly apply their skills across the curriculum. Pupils’ digital skills are less well developed. Teachers plan interesting learning activities and have high expectations of pupils. Staff make learning engaging and use questioning skilfully to deepen pupils’ thinking. Pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) receive beneficial support from staff, and most make good progress. In the learning resource base, staff plan activities that meet each pupil’s individual needs well."

"In the younger classes, the outdoor learning spaces are undeveloped and do not provide sufficient opportunities for pupils to further apply and improve their skills. The curriculum reflects the local area of Llandudno and Welsh culture effectively. Pupils learn about fairness, equality and respect and have opportunities to take on important leadership roles. For instance, pupil ambassadors help their peers to feel safe and included. Overall pupils’ attendance remains too low, especially for pupils eligible for free school meals."

Estyn made 3 recommendations: (1) Improve attendance; (2) Ensure that pupils develop their digital skills progressively over time; (3) Improve opportunities for younger pupils to develop their skills through outdoor learning.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn are Ysgol Tudno (0.3 miles), Ysgol Morfa Rhiannedd (0.4 miles), Ysgol San Sior (0.6 miles) and Blessed William Davies School (0.6 miles).

The nearest railway station is Llandudno Rail Station, about 700 metres away (roughly a 9-minute walk).

10 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Dinas Road (before), 130 metres away.