Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant, Llantwit Major

Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant 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 239 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

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

Of its pupils, 9% have additional learning needs; and 5% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 25 pupils (Year 1) to 31 (Year 5).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,416 per pupil, against £3,961 in 2021-22. It carried forward £76k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its January 2024 inspection summarises Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant like this:

"Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant is a successful learning community that celebrates Welshness, courtesy and respect well and provides valuable experiences for pupils. The headteacher, with the effective support of the deputy headteacher, provides clear leadership that contributes to a well-rounded education for pupils. Staff are committed to providing a high quality of care and well-being for pupils across the school in a homely and supportive learning environment. This has a strong influence on pupils’ attitudes towards each other and adults. Pupils’ pride in their local area and Wales is an obvious strength. Most pupils develop knowledge, understanding and skills that are appropriate for their age and stage of development successfully."

"They make sound progress in their communication skills and, by the end of their time at the school, they speak both Welsh and English confidently. Most of the oldest pupils read books intelligently in both languages and with increasing fluency. Provision to support the learning skills of pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) is good. As a result, most make consistent progress over time against their targets and previous achievements. Where teaching is most effective, pupils make strong progress. In these examples, they apply their skills in activities that provide a challenge to support them to make sound progress in independent learning activities."

"Where teaching is not as good, there are very few purposeful opportunities for pupils to undertake their learning independently which, in turn, slows their progress. Self-evaluation arrangements and planning for improvement are thorough. Members of the governing body support the headteacher and staff effectively. They have a sound awareness of the school’s strengths and priorities for improvement and provide an appropriate balance of support and challenge. Maintaining a proactive relationship with all families is a priority for the headteacher and staff. As a result, the lively and effective culture of co-operation contributes significantly to the school’s welcoming and inclusive ethos."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Ensure an appropriate challenge to support pupils to make progress in their skills in independent learning activities; (2) Disseminate the strongest teaching practices across the school.

The school runs after-school care.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant are Ysgol y Ddraig (under 0.1 miles), St Illtyd Primary School (0.5 miles), Llanfair C.P. School (2.8 miles) and St Athan Primary School (2.9 miles).

The nearest railway station is Llantwit Major Rail Station, about 550 metres away (roughly a 7-minute walk).

10 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Llantwit Major Infants` School (outside), 170 metres away.