Ysgol Maes-Y-Dderwen, Swansea

Ysgol Maes-Y-Dderwen is an English-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 476 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

22% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 15% have additional learning needs (28% in 2020/21); 1% are learning English as an additional language; and 7% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 26 pupils (Year 12) to 95 (Year 9).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £7,898 per pupil, against £5,251 in 2021-22. It ended 2024-25 with a deficit of £496k.

Estyn's report on its January 2025 inspection summarises Ysgol Maes-Y-Dderwen like this:

"Ysgol Maesydderwen provides a supportive environment where pupils benefit from positive relationships with staff. As a result, many pupils feel safe in school and believe that the school will deal well with any instances of bullying. The majority of teachers have strong subject knowledge and offer pupils clear explanations, helping them to develop their understanding. In these lessons, pupils engage well in their learning, behave positively, and participate in discussions with confidence. However, in a minority of cases, the quality of teaching is poor and as a result, a minority of pupils make limited progress. In the minority of lessons, teachers’ expectations are too low, and pupils are not offered enough challenge. Tasks do not support deeper learning, and teachers do not always use questioning effectively to develop pupils’ thinking."

"Written feedback is often too broad, meaning pupils are unsure how to improve their work. In addition, opportunities for extended writing and numeracy development across the curriculum are limited. In the sixth form, most pupils contribute well in lessons and feel well-prepared for their next steps in education or employment. The school offers a broad curriculum with a good balance of general and vocational subjects. Pupils receive helpful guidance when choosing courses, and recent curriculum adaptations aim to support those at risk of underachievement. Pupils in the ‘Haven’ specialist teaching facility (STF) thrive in a nurturing environment with experienced staff who tailor the curriculum to their needs. The school also provides valuable extra-curricular activities, that help pupils develop their skills and interests beyond the classroom."

"The school places high importance on pupils’ well-being. Most feel safe at school and know where to seek support if needed. The school’s behaviour policy is beginning to have a positive impact, and reward systems help to encourage good attitudes to learning. Attendance initiatives are showing early signs of impact, particularly for pupils eligible for free school meals, though overall attendance remains very low and well below pre- pandemic levels. In general, senior leaders have an accurate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in the school’s work, but subject leaders’ tend to be too generous. Overall, leadership has not had a strong enough impact on improving crucial aspects of the school's work, particularly in improving the quality of teaching and its impact on pupil progress or the progressive development of pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills."

Estyn made 4 recommendations: (1) Improve the quality of teaching to raise expectations and provide appropriate challenge for all pupils, including those with additional learning needs; (2) Strengthen leadership to ensure leaders at all levels evaluate their work accurately and robustly, and secure the improvements required; (3) Improve cross-curricular planning to develop pupils' literacy and numeracy skills progressively; (4) Improve attendance.

Estyn follow-up status: Special Measures.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Ysgol Maes-Y-Dderwen are Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur (0.7 miles) and Cwmtawe Community School (5.2 miles).

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Ysgol Maes-Y-Dderwen.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Glanrhyd Hospital (opposite), 250 metres away.