Ysgol Syr John Rhys, Ceredigion

Ysgol Syr John Rhys 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 15 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

57% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 0% have additional learning needs.

Year groups range from 1 pupils (Year 4) to 5 (Year 6).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £12,816 per pupil, against £7,208 in 2021-22. It carried forward £53k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its March 2024 inspection summarises Ysgol Syr John Rhys like this:

"Ysgol Syr John Rhys is a successful learning community that celebrates Welsh culture, courtesy and respect, and pupils’ achievements, exceptionally well. The headteacher provides clear and wise guidance and respects the efforts of everyone who contributes to pupils’ well-rounded education. Staff are committed to providing high quality care and pupils’ well-being in a homely and supportive learning environment. This has a strong influence on pupils’ positive attitudes towards each other and others. The strategic co-operation with two neighbouring schools that are under the headteacher’s care has a positive effect on provision and pupils’ progress. Staff work together successfully to plan a range of stimulating play and learning experiences for pupils."

"They provide a broad curriculum that is relevant to pupils’ interests, including studying the history and geography of the school’s area. As a result, pupils’ pride in their local area is clear. Most pupils develop knowledge, understanding and oral, numeracy and digital skills that are appropriate for their age and starting points successfully. For example, most develop their English oral and reading skills skilfully, contribute purposefully to class discussions and express their views clearly and maturely. However, pupils’ Welsh reading and writing skills do not develop soundly enough, particularly their ability to read aloud and discuss texts confidently. Provision for supporting the learning skills of pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) is effective."

"As a result, they make good progress over time considering the targets of their individual programmes and their previous achievements. The school’s self-evaluation and quality assurance arrangements are thorough. Members of the governing body support the headteacher and staff purposefully. They have a sound awareness of the school’s strengths and improvement priorities and provide an appropriate balance of support and challenge. The relationship between the school and parents is sound. Parents are very proud that their children attend such a supportive small school which is completely central to the rural community of the Ponterwyd area."

Estyn made 1 recommendation: (1) Develop pupils’ Welsh reading and writing skills.

The nearest tram or metro stop is Rhiwfron (Vale of Rheidol Railway), about 2.3 miles away in a straight line.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Ponterwyd Mill (near), 80 metres away.