Ysgol Sarn Bach, Gwynedd

Ysgol Sarn 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 24 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

Year groups range from 1 pupils (Year 1) to 5 (Year 6).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £10,740 per pupil, against £5,321 in 2021-22. It carried forward £46k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its February 2026 inspection summarises Ysgol Sarn Bach like this:

"Ysgol Sarn Bach is a caring community in which pupils' wellbeing and their learning experiences are at the heart of provision. The school is led by a headteacher who has a clear vision to create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for pupils and the whole school community. As a result, pupils feel happy and safe, and positive relationships between school and home are a clear strength. Staff work together closely as a team and are committed to providing inclusive learning experiences for pupils. Many staff members undertake leadership responsibilities and co- operate effectively with local schools to develop their practices."

"Although self-evaluation arrangements are implemented suitably, the processes do not always identify clearly enough the specific aspects of teaching that need to be improved. As a result, improvement actions do not always have a purposeful effect on pupils' progress and standards. Staff succeed in fostering positive behaviour and a strong sense of belonging in pupils. Pupils are respectful and show care towards each other. Staff model the Welsh language successfully, which, in turn, supports most pupils to develop into confident speakers by the end of their time at the school."

"However, pupils are not always encouraged consistently to use Welsh independently in their play and learning. Most pupils' literacy and mathematics skills develop appropriately, and reading, digital and creative opportunities support their engagement skilfully. On the whole, teachers’ feedback does not always provide enough of a challenge to help pupils improve the content and quality of their work. In addition, in a few lessons, staff over-lead the learning which limits opportunities for pupils to develop as independent learners, especially the youngest pupils. Support arrangements for pupils, including those with additional learning needs, are strong, and the school shows a clear commitment to ensuring that all children have an equal opportunity to succeed in an inclusive environment."

Estyn made 3 recommendations: (1) Strengthen self-evaluation processes to identify and act on priorities and specific aspects of teaching and learning; (2) Improve provision for the youngest pupils, including supporting them to be curious and independent learners; (3) Improve teachers’ feedback to support pupils to improve the content and quality of their work.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Sarn Bach are Ysgol Foel Gron (2.9 miles), Ysgol Gynradd Llanbedrog (3.6 miles) and Ysgol Pont Y Gof (4 miles).

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

3 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Ysgol Sarn Bach (before), 80 metres away.