Ysgol Yr Hafod, Johnstown

Ysgol Yr Hafod 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 347 pupils in the 2025/26 school census.

24% of pupils are eligible for free school meals (three-year average).

Of its pupils, 7% have additional learning needs (11% in 2020/21); 5% are learning English as an additional language; and 5% are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Year groups range from 36 pupils (Reception) to 47 (Year 3).

Estyn's report on its September 2025 inspection summarises Ysgol Yr Hafod like this:

"At Ysgol yr Hafod Primary School, pupils feel safe, happy and ready to learn. The school nurtures curiosity and supports independence effectively, which creates a positive climate for learning. Well-designed environments and purposeful independent learning opportunities, such as ‘over to you time’ and ‘amser sialens,’ encourage pupils to explore, think creatively and work cooperatively. These experiences help pupils to become confident, resilient learners who behave well and show respect for others. The headteacher provides strong and effective leadership that promotes high expectations and positive partnerships among staff, parents and pupils. Leaders use what they learn about the school’s strengths and areas for improvement to improve teaching and support pupils’ progress. Governors know the school well and provide valuable support and challenge to help leaders improve provision and outcomes for pupils. Teachers benefit from well-planned professional development that helps them improve their practice and promote pupils’ well-being."

"They generally plan learning experiences that engage pupils well. Most teachers use questioning effectively to check pupils’ understanding. This enables most pupils to build on what they know and make good progress. Occasionally, a few pupils do not make the progress they could, because tasks do not match their needs closely enough. Most pupils speak clearly and listen carefully, and older pupils talk confidently about their learning. They enjoy reading and use a range of strategies to understand texts. As they move through the school, most become confident readers, speakers and writers. The school is developing useful approaches to help pupils reflect thoughtfully on their progress, although this is not yet consistent across the school."

"Most pupils develop secure mathematical skills and knowledge. They use practical resources well to support their understanding and apply their skills effectively to solve problems. This enables them to deepen their mathematical thinking. The school provides strong support for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN). Staff identify their needs at an early stage and ensure that most make good progress with their learning and well-being. Pupils in the Resource Provision Unit (RPU) benefit from a caring ethos and feel valued, supported and fully included in school life."

Estyn made 2 recommendations: (1) Ensure that learning experiences provide the right level of challenge to meet the differing needs of pupils; (2) Improve the quality and consistency of feedback to pupils so that they understand the next steps to move their learning forward.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ysgol Yr Hafod are Ysgol Maes Y Mynydd (0.8 miles), Ysgol Hooson (0.9 miles), Penycae Community Primary School (1 mile) and Ysgol Maesyllan (1.4 miles).

The nearest railway station is Ruabon Rail Station, about 1.4 miles away in a straight line.

10 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Johnstown Junior School (opposite), 130 metres away.