TYWYN’s secondary school has been asked to share its “excellent practices” with other schools in Wales after receiving a glowing report from inspectors in spite of serious financial pressures, dropping pupil numbers and funding cuts.

Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn, described by Estyn inspectors in a report released this week as “an extremely caring and inclusive community”, was rated “excellent” by inspectors for “care, support and guidance” and “wellbeing and attitudes to learning”.

In its first report under the new inspection framework which looks at five key areas – the 268-pupil bilingual school was also rated ‘good’ – the second highest ranking – for ‘standards’, ‘teaching and learning experiences’, and ‘leadership and management’.

Estyn inspectors said the “headteacher and all staff embrace a culture of high expectations and respect towards others” and that “very effective leadership has led to excellent standards of wellbeing and an exceptional level of care and support for pupils".

“It has also led to robust standards over time and good quality teaching,” the report added.

“Most pupils’ behaviour is excellent and many make very valuable contributions to the school’s life and work.

“Overall, many pupils make sound progress during their time at the school.

“They develop as independent pupils with very positive attitudes towards learning.”

The praise comes despite pupil numbers at the school decreasing year on year over the last decade, which has “led to significant cuts in funding and staffing”.

“The school currently has a financial deficit, which has been licensed by the local education authority,” the report found.

“Despite the financial pressure as a result of the significant reduction in pupil number over recent years, the school has succeeded in maintaining high standards in all aspects of school life.”

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