Ysgol Santes Helen, Gwynedd

Ysgol Santes Helen 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 37 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

31% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 36% have additional learning needs (26% in 2020/21); and 26% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 2 pupils (Year 6) to 7 (Year 4).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £8,783 per pupil, against £4,697 in 2021-22. It carried forward £18k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its January 2026 inspection summarises Ysgol Santes Helen like this:

"Ysgol Santes Helen is an inclusive and caring school in which pupils' wellbeing is central to its daily work. The school’s ethos, under the motto 'Câr dy gymydog (Love thy neighbour)', fosters a respectful and supportive environment, and staff provide strong care for pupils and their families. However, many pupils, including those from low-income households, do not make enough progress in their skills over time. In addition, leaders do not identify or address the shortcomings in the standard of teaching in many lessons. Teachers provide a few appropriate activities that link to termly themes and are enriched by local visits."

"Many pupils' reading and mathematics skills develop suitably. However, teachers do not plan the curriculum coherently or comprehensively enough to ensure that many pupils make full progress in their writing, numeracy and digital skills over time. In addition, many of the learning activities do not engage pupils’ interest successfully enough. Staff promote the Welsh language by modelling language suitably. However, most pupils do not make robust use of the language when working and socialising with each other."

"Recently, staff have focused on building pupils' independence, but the level of challenge and the pace of many lessons do not respond to the needs of all pupils, particularly those with additional learning needs and those of higher ability. The headteacher leads with strong commitment, and governors are supportive. However, leaders do not plan strategically enough to lead the necessary improvements. The outcomes of the self-evaluation processes are not reliable enough to identify the most important aspects for improvement, including the quality of teaching, pupils’ skills, and developing a stimulating and comprehensive curriculum."

Estyn made 4 recommendations: (1) Respond to the safeguarding concern that was raised during the inspection; (2) Improve leaders’ effectiveness, especially in terms of self-evaluation and planning for improvement; (3) Ensure the necessary improvements to the curriculum and teaching; (4) Provide regular opportunities for pupils to develop and apply the full range of skills.

Estyn follow-up status: Special Measures.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Santes Helen are Ysgol Gynradd Maesincla (0.4 miles), Ysgol Yr Hendre (0.6 miles), Ysgol Y Gelli (0.7 miles) and Ysgol Gynradd Bontnewydd (1.9 miles).

The nearest tram or metro stop is Caernarfon (Welsh Highland Rly-Caernarfon), about 540 metres away (roughly a 7-minute walk).

27 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Margaret Street Subway (outside), 170 metres away.