Ysgol Ifor Bach, Caerphilly

Ysgol Ifor Bach 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 223 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

26% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Year groups range from 20 pupils (Reception) to 38 (Year 6).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,025 per pupil, against £3,631 in 2021-22. It carried forward £271k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its December 2023 inspection summarises Ysgol Ifor Bach like this:

"Ysgol Ifor Bach is a successful learning community that celebrates Welshness, courtesy and respect and pupils’ achievements particularly well. The acting headteacher provides clear and wise guidance and values everyone’s efforts in contributing to pupils’ well-rounded education. All staff are committed to ensuring 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 towards others both inside and outside the school. Teaching staff and assistants model language purposefully and enthusiastically, which has an effect on pupils’ oracy skills from a young age. As a result, pupils’ use of, and pride in, the Welsh language is a strong feature. Staff work together successfully to plan a range of stimulating and relevant learning and play experiences for pupils."

"Pupils’ pride in their local area and the history of the coal mines is clear. Most pupils develop knowledge, understanding and skills which are appropriate for their age and starting points successfully. For example, most develop their oral and reading skills skilfully, contributing purposefully to class discussions and expressing their opinions clearly and maturely. However, pupils’ independent writing skills have not developed effectively enough. On the whole, teachers provide regular opportunities for pupils to work independently and work together to solve challenges and complete projects. In the few cases where teaching is not as effective, there are limited opportunities for pupils to work independently and improve their work purposefully following feedback from teachers. Provision to support the learning skills of pupils with additional learning needs is purposeful."

"As a result, they make good progress over time against their targets and previous attainment. The school’s self-evaluation and quality assurance arrangements are thorough. Members of the governing body support the acting headteacher and staff purposefully. They have a sound awareness of the school’s strengths and priorities for improvement and provide an appropriate balance of support and challenge. The acting headteacher, with the support of staff and governors, promotes a culture of safeguarding in a highly effective and supportive manner. As a result, pupils are happy and safe at the school."

Estyn made 1 recommendation: (1) Develop pupils’ independent writing skills.

The school runs a breakfast club.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Ifor Bach are Cwmaber Infant School (0.2 miles), Cwmaber Junior School (0.2 miles), Nant Y Parc Primary School (0.8 miles) and Cwm Ifor Primary School (1.6 miles).

The nearest railway station is Llanbradach Rail Station, about 1.8 miles away in a straight line.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Bryngelli Terrace (after), 280 metres away.