Following a recent monitoring visit by Estyn, Risca Community Comprehensive School has been formally removed from the ‘Special Measures’ category.
Inspectors determined that the school has made significant and sustained progress in addressing all of the recommendations previously identified.
Since June 2024, Estyn has conducted four monitoring visits to assess progress following the school’s initial core inspection in September 2022, which judged the school as requiring Significant Improvement. In December 2023, following a revisit, the school was placed in Special Measures. However, with the appointment of a new Headteacher in September 2023 and the implementation of an updated Post-Inspection Action Plan, the pace of change has accelerated significantly over the past 18 months.
Estyn recognised that leaders at all levels have played a pivotal role in driving improvements across the school. The Headteacher has reshaped the Senior Leadership Team, strengthened self-evaluation processes, and taken decisive action to improve outcomes for pupils. Notably, the Governing Body was praised for its role in both supporting and challenging the school, and for helping to significantly reduce the budget deficit.
Inspectors also highlighted the effective strategic planning in place to enhance pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills. The teaching of mathematics and numeracy has shown marked improvement, and the continued strength of English teaching has ensured steady gains in literacy. The quality of teaching has improved after each visit, supported by comprehensive staff training and professional development.
Whole-school attendance has seen a sharp increase, rising by 3% since 2024 to a final figure of 91.7%—the highest among secondary schools in the local authority and placing Risca Community Comprehensive in the top 10% of similar schools across Wales. Pupil behaviour and attitudes to learning have also been consistently praised by Estyn and other external partners.
Headteacher Martin Hulland said:
“I am absolutely delighted with this decision from Estyn. It’s a tremendous boost for our entire school community. Our dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to implement the changes required, and I am proud of every one of them. Our fantastic pupils have been true partners in this journey, demonstrating improved attitudes to learning, self-confidence, and resilience. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and are determined to keep moving forward to be the very best school we can be. I would like to thank the Local Authority, our Governors, and our parents for their unwavering support.”
Cllr Carol Andrews, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities, added:
“This is a truly outstanding achievement for Risca Community Comprehensive School, and a reflection of the commitment and collaboration between staff, pupils, governors, and the wider community. I am particularly pleased to see the improvements in pupil behaviour, attendance, and teaching quality—all of which are vital to a successful school. Congratulations to everyone involved; this outcome is richly deserved, and I am confident that the school will continue to go from strength to strength.”
