Ruthin primary school rated excellent by inspectors

In the Estyn report, published on May 31, Ysgol Pen Barras achieved excellent in all inspection areas including Standards; Wellbeing and attitudes to learning; Teaching and learning experiences; Care, support and guidance and Leadership and management.

Headteacher Marc Jones was praised by inspectors for his robust and "very effective" leadership.

The glowing report stated: "He is supported highly effectively by the senior management team.

"One of the school’s excellent features is the way in which all members of staff work together exceptionally well.

"The school is an extremely friendly and caring community. Nearly all pupils’ standards of wellbeing and attitudes to learning are excellent.

"An exceptional feature of school life is the courtesy and respect with which all pupils treat their peers and adults. There is an enthusiastic learning environment in all classes.

"Teachers take advantage of regular opportunities to challenge pupils by questioning them skilfully and encouraging them to think.

"As a result, nearly all pupils make sound and consistent progress, which at least corresponds to what is expected, while over half exceed this progress."

The current building opened on a new site in April 2018. Welsh is the main medium of the school’s life and work, and English is introduced in key stage two.

There are 273 pupils between three and 11 years old, including 35 part-time nursery age pupils.

Inspectors said pupils, who come from a non-speaking home, acquire good Welsh communication skills quickly.

The pace of lessons were also praised.

"Teachers use a rich range of exciting teaching methods to develop pupils’ skills highly effectively," the report added.

"There is an enthusiastic learning environment in all classes, and teachers take advantage of every opportunity to challenge pupils by questioning them skilfully and encouraging them to think.

"An exceptional feature of the school’s work is the courtesy and respect with which all pupils treat their peers and adults."

Marc Jones, headteacher of Ysgol Pen Barras, said: “I’m delighted that the efforts of the whole team have been recognised in this report.

"Everyone has worked extremely hard, the pupils, staff, governors and parents to ensure that Pen Barras is a happy, exciting learning community.

"We will continue to offer all kinds of interesting experiences, so that each pupil strives to achieve high standards and develop to become valuable members of the community".

Councillor Huw Hilditch Roberts, Chair of Governors at Ysgol Pen Barras, said: “Ysgol Pen Barras is an important part of the community and the opportunities our children are being given are second to none. 

"The culture, attitude of children and the quality of the teaching and management of the school have all been highlighted as strengths and we are all committed to maintaining standards, to make sure that Ysgol Pen Barras thrives for generations to come”.

The report had one recommendation - Ensure that monitoring reports are evaluative and that they identify clearly the effect of procedures on pupils’ standards and wellbeing.

In 2018, Rhos Street School and Ysgol Pen Barras pupils moved to the new site on the Glasdir estate. The schools operate independently but share some facilities.

In November, Rhos Street C.P. School was rated by Estyn Inspectors as excellent in Standards and Leadership and management and Good in Wellbeing and attitudes to learning; Teaching and learning experiences and Care, support and guidance.