Ysgol y Ddraig, Llantwit Major

Ysgol y Ddraig 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 218 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

22% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 24% have additional learning needs (13% in 2020/21); 10% are learning English as an additional language; and 20% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 13 pupils (Reception) to 46 (Year 6).

Its delegated budget for 2026-27 works out at £6,368 per pupil, against £3,810 in 2021-22. It carried forward £57k of reserves at the end of 2024-25.

Estyn's report on its May 2022 inspection summarises Ysgol y Ddraig like this:

"The interim executive headteacher and head of school lead a fully committed staff who care for and support all pupils to achieve their best. They have collaborated thoughtfully and successfully with the whole school community to develop the current school's vision for the curriculum, teaching and learning. They provide clear strategic direction for the development of the school, assess the quality of provision and plan and deliver improvements well. Staff roles and responsibilities are clear and leaders model professional values and behaviours effectively. There is a strong sense of teamwork and shared commitment to ensuring that all pupils matter. Most pupils enjoy being at Ysgol Y Ddraig Primary and develop positive attitudes to learning."

"Pupils feel safe, well cared for and trust that adults will always support them through challenging times. As they journey through the school, most pupils, including those with additional learning needs, develop a broad range of key learning skills, such as resilience and being able to evaluate their own work. This enables them to make good progress as confident young citizens by the time they leave the school. Overall, pupils are proud to belong to the school and many play an important role, alongside school leaders in deciding school policy and influencing change. School leaders ensure there is an ongoing focus on improving teaching to improve learning across the school. Teachers collaborate well to plan and provide purposeful lessons."

"A broad range of relevant, real-life experiences entice pupils to engage positively with learning. Overall pupils enjoy their lessons, however, there are times when a few older pupils find it difficult to concentrate and focus on their learning. The school works closely with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils and has prepared staff well to enable them to tailor provision to individual needs. There is a positive relationship with parents and carers who have appreciated the support offered by the school for well-being and the good communication and access to blended learning during the pandemic."

Estyn made 3 recommendations: (1) Improve opportunities for pupils from Year 4 to Year 6 to use the numeracy skills in their work across the curriculum; (2) Improve pupils' Welsh language skills; (3) Improve the behaviour and attitudes to learning of a few older pupils.

In its own words: "At Ysgol y Ddraig we are designing and developing our ACE curriculum within the framework of our new Curriculum for Wales."

From the headteacher's welcome: "I am extremely proud to be the Headteacher of Ysgol y Ddraig and lead a team of committed and enthusiastic staff, who always put the needs of children first. Choosing the right school is an important decision for all families as we all want our children to have the very best of learning experiences."

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol y Ddraig are Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant (under 0.1 miles), St Illtyd Primary School (0.5 miles), Llanfair C.P. School (2.8 miles) and St Athan Primary School (2.9 miles).

The nearest railway station is Llantwit Major Rail Station, about 550 metres away (roughly a 7-minute walk).

10 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Llantwit Major Infants` School (outside), 170 metres away.