Ysgol Gynradd Bontnewydd, Gwynedd

Ysgol Gynradd Bontnewydd 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 204 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 10% have additional learning needs (20% in 2020/21); and 4% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 20 pupils (Year 2) to 33 (Year 5).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,140 per pupil, against £3,940 in 2021-22. It carried forward £2k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its May 2025 inspection summarises Ysgol Gynradd Bontnewydd like this:

"Pupils, staff and parents take pride in the school’s Welsh, inclusive and familial ethos. As a result, pupils build positive working relationships, which contribute successfully to developing a caring, happy and safe learning community. Most pupils work well with their peers. They ask thoughtful questions and contribute enthusiastically to class discussions. Most pupils have strong oracy skills. They apply their Welsh speaking skills in a wide range of activities across the school."

"This is a notable strength of the school. Most pupils’ digital skills are sound. Many also develop their writing and mathematical skills purposefully. However, there are not enough rich opportunities for pupils to apply their numeracy and extended writing skills progressively across the curriculum. The curriculum provides deep learning experiences that build effectively on skills taught in the past. On the whole, teaching sessions include interesting learning activities in the learning areas which offer an appropriate level of challenge."

"However, in a very few lessons, when teaching is less effective, teachers’ expectations are too low, the pace of lessons is too slow and there is an over-reliance on ready-made frameworks which limit pupils’ ability to develop their independence while learning. The headteacher is a passionate leader. He creates a purposeful learning environment based on an ethos of ‘learning together’, which promotes effective teamwork. This nurturing environment, which is at the heart of his improvement strategies, lead to good behaviour and enthusiasm for learning among pupils. Leaders’ willingness to improve practices through regular evaluations leads to robust improvement processes. The governing body supports and challenges leaders thoroughly and focuses on improving teaching and learning though an effective monitoring cycle."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Co-ordinate more opportunities for pupils to apply their writing and numeracy skills progressively in their work across the curriculum; (2) Reduce the use of ready-made frameworks to promote pupils’ independent learning skills further.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Gynradd Bontnewydd are Ysgol Yr Hendre (1.4 miles), Y.G. Rhostryfan (1.6 miles), Ysgol Santes Helen (1.9 miles) and Ysgol Gynradd Maesincla (1.9 miles).

The nearest tram or metro stop is Dinas (Welsh Highland Rly-Caernarfon), about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Bontnewydd Prif (after), 110 metres away.