Educational excellence on a budget wins praise
A VILLAGE primary school with the lowest budget per pupil in its county has been given the highest possible marks by inspectors.
Ysgol Comins Coch in Ceredigion, which receives the minimum £3,123 per pupil, compared to a maximum of £8,440 among 47 primary schools in the local authority area, was awarded a double excellent by inspection body Estyn.
Inspectors visiting the 184pupil school near Aberystwyth in March gave their highest rating for both its current performance and prospects for improvement.
Their report says pupils are “enthusiastic learners” and “the school has a proven track record of maintaining high standards”.
It adds that “the quality of teaching as being consistently good or better” and that “there is a very positive working relationship between pupils and adults in all classes”.
Particular praise was given to standards achieved in Welsh, with provision for Welsh highlighted as being “exemplary throughout the school”.
The strong leadership of acting head Bethan Davies was highlighted and the report added that: “All staff have a clear and accurate picture of the school’s strengths and areas that need to be improved”.
The inspectors found that a particularly strong feature of the school was “the professional development of staff, which is promoted very successfully through excellent performance management procedures and mentoring arrangements, all of which impact significantly on teaching, learning and how well pupils achieve”.
Deeming the school “provides excellent value for money”, inspectors made two recommendations – to improve attendance and to strengthen the governing body.
Estyn has now asked the school to prepare a written case study describing the excellent practice identified during the inspection.
Headteacher Bethan Davies said: “We are all delighted with Estyn’s findings and are pleased that the school has been recognised as a successful learning community.
“This could not have been achieved without the hard work and continuous support of staff, governors, parents and the wider community.”
She added: “Particular praise should be given to our pupils.”
Chair of governors Richard Feasey said: “This reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment of everybody involved in the school, including the excellent leadership provided by Bethan Davies, our acting headteacher, and her team, every one of our teaching and support staff, our supportive parents and governors, and, of course, all our children.”