Ysgol Waunfawr, Gwynedd

Ysgol Waunfawr 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 117 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

11% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 17% have additional learning needs (13% in 2020/21).

Year groups range from 10 pupils (Year 1) to 20 (Year 2).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £5,521 per pupil, against £3,869 in 2021-22. It carried forward £83k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its April 2024 inspection summarises Ysgol Waunfawr like this:

"Ysgol Gynradd Waunfawr is a happy, familial and welcoming school. All staff work together effectively to create a caring, Welsh ethos and a safe place where staff and pupils care for each other naturally. Care and respect permeate the school and the supportive working relationship between staff and pupils builds confidence and supports them to enjoy their time at the school greatly. They are happy to attend, behave well and develop positive attitudes to learning. The school has a strong Welsh atmosphere with a distinct feature of providing a range of valuable experiences and a clear emphasis on promoting pupils’ awareness of their local area and the history and traditions of Wales. This deepens their pride in their school and the wider community and creates a strong sense of belonging."

"Teachers provide rich and stimulating learning experiences that engage the interest of most pupils. This enables them to develop the skills they need to access the whole curriculum. Pupils have a strong voice in the life of the school and enjoy the opportunities they are given to influence what they would like to learn within the termly theme. They thrive by contributing to a variety of councils which have a positive effect on school life. As a result, most pupils show strong motivation, a curious interest in their learning and make sound progress from their starting points. However, at times, they are not given enough opportunities to decide for themselves how to respond to activities with increasing independence."

"The headteacher provides effective and supportive leadership which gives the school a clear direction. She receives strong support from dedicated staff who work well together as a team and share responsibilities sensibly. They show a strong commitment to promoting continuous and sustainable improvements. Governors have a good understanding of the school’s work and support the school effectively."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Provide more opportunities for pupils to make decisions about how they organise and present their work and to respond to learning activities with increasing independence; (2) Expand opportunities for pupils to respond to feedback in a timely manner so that they know what to do to improve and develop their work further.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Waunfawr are Ysgol Gynradd Rhosgadfan (1.8 miles), Y.G. Rhostryfan (2 miles), Ysgol Llanrug (2.5 miles) and Ysgol Gynradd Bontnewydd (2.6 miles).

The nearest tram or metro stop is Waunfawr (Welsh Highland Rly-Caernarfon), about 870 metres away (roughly a 11-minute walk).

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Whiteways (o/s 21), 170 metres away.