Ysgol Penalltau, Ystrad Mynach

Ysgol Penalltau 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 233 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

14% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 4% have additional learning needs (16% in 2020/21).

Year groups range from 25 pupils (Reception) to 35 (Year 5).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £4,748 per pupil, against £3,715 in 2021-22. It carried forward £189k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its June 2026 inspection summarises Ysgol Penalltau like this:

"The effective leadership of the headteacher and deputy headteacher, combined with the support of conscientious staff, fosters pupils' well-being, care and support extremely effectively. They know pupils well and a homely and inclusive feeling supports pupils to develop positive attitudes towards their learning. Leaders have a sound understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Almost all pupils behave well during their activities, when learning independently, and when playing with their friends. Pupils make valuable use of the outdoor learning areas, including the woodland, which contributes to their wellbeing and enthusiasm for learning. Teachers ensure that the learning experiences engage and maintain pupils' interest successfully."

"They support pupils to develop their independent learning skills from a young age which includes choosing beneficial ways of presenting their work, and offering ideas for activities they would like to complete. Practical activities across the learning areas enrich pupils' understanding of the themes well and support most to make sound progress across many skills. However, pupils' accuracy, expression, and fluency in Welsh reading skills have not developed to the same extent as their English reading skills. During learning sessions, many staff use purposeful questioning and offer effective verbal feedback to support pupils' learning. In the strongest practices, staff respond constructively to pupils' responses and adapt provision appropriately, promoting progress in learning successfully. However, there are limited opportunities for pupils to respond to staff’s feedback to improve their work."

"Staff have positive relationships with parents, including parents of pupils with additional learning needs (ALN). Staff support pupils who need further support purposefully. As a result, most pupils with ALN make sound progress during their time at the school. The way in which staff work effectively with pupils and their families to improve attendance and punctuality is a strength. Parents express pride in the fact that their children attend this welcoming school and appreciate the wide range of experiences, as well as the excellent care and attention to promoting wellbeing that is provided by the school."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Develop pupils' Welsh reading skills; (2) Ensure consistency in the effective practices for giving pupils feedback to support them further to improve their work.

From the headteacher's welcome: "I hope it provides you with the comprehensive information you require and a glimpse into the life of the school. At Ysgol Penalltau we truly feel that we are at the heart of the local community."

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Penalltau are Derwendeg Primary School (0.4 miles), Hengoed Primary School (0.6 miles), Glyn-Gaer CP School (0.7 miles) and Tiryberth Primary School (0.9 miles).

The nearest railway station is Hengoed Rail Station, about 1 mile away in a straight line.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Old Colliery (outside), 290 metres away.