Ysgol Pendref, Denbigh

Ysgol Pendref 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 141 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

55% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 16% have additional learning needs (33% in 2020/21); 7% are learning English as an additional language; and 13% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 9 pupils (Reception) to 21 (Year 4).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £7,321 per pupil, against £6,463 in 2021-22. It carried forward £76k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its February 2023 inspection summarises Ysgol Pendref like this:

"Ysgol Pendref is a happy and inclusive community that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils. Pupils take pride in having robust relationships with staff, which supports their progress in skills and to discuss any concerns in a safe environment. As a result, many pupils make steady progress from their starting points. Staff work together effectively to identify the needs of all pupils and plan a range of purposeful and stimulating activities that engage pupils’ interests appropriately. In general, teaching is over-directed, which limits a minority of pupils from developing their skills independently. The school’s curriculum is appropriate to best meet the needs of many pupils."

"Teachers’ planning considers pupils’ suggestions and ideas, which results in most pupils applying themselves enthusiastically to their work. However, teachers do not plan effectively enough to develop pupils’ extended writing skills, numeracy and digital skills across all areas of learning. Teachers promote the Welsh language effectively. They plan purposefully for pupils to learn about the history and culture of Wales. However, teachers do not plan to improve pupils’ ability to communicate in Welsh systematically. This limits pupils’ progress in communicating in Welsh in formal and informal situations."

"The headteacher and leaders share a clear vision to provide a nurturing and engaging education based on supporting pupils’ well-being. They concentrate well on ensuring that all staff feel that they are part of the school team. This ensures that everyone, including governors, understand the school’s basic priorities and work together supportively. In general, the school’s self-evaluation and planning for improvement arrangements are not always robust enough to identify its strengths and areas for improvement."

Estyn made 4 recommendations: (1) Sharpen monitoring procedures to focus on identifying strengths and areas for improvement by evaluating the quality and impact of provision on pupils’ learning; (2) Provide consistent opportunities for pupils to apply their skills across the curriculum, especially their number, extended writing, and digital skills; (3) Ensure that pupils make decisions and take responsibility for their own learning to develop their skills independently; (4) Develop pupils’ Welsh oracy skills systematically.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Pendref are Ysgol Twm o'r Nant (0.9 miles), Ysgol Frongoch (1 mile), Ysgol Y Parc Infants (1 mile) and Ysgol Gymraeg Henllan (1.6 miles).

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Ysgol Pendref.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Maes Celyn (near), 130 metres away.