Teachers, pupils and governors at Ysgol Dolafon are celebrating a significant milestone following a positive monitoring visit from Estyn, His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales.
The school has officially been removed from Estyn’s list of schools requiring significant improvement, after inspectors judged that it has made sufficient progress in addressing the recommendations from its most recent core inspection.
The decision, welcomed by Powys County Council, follows a period of focused improvement work, strengthened leadership and close collaboration between the school, governors and the council.
During the monitoring visit in March 2026, Estyn recognised clear improvements across the school. Inspectors highlighted strengthened leadership at all levels, with staff now playing an active role in self‑evaluation and having a clearer understanding of the school’s strengths and priorities for improvement.
Teaching quality has improved across the school, with positive relationships creating a purposeful learning environment where most pupils make at least appropriate progress. Estyn noted more consistent expectations for skills progression, stronger professional dialogue between staff, and increasing use of assessment information to inform planning and support pupils’ progress.
The report also praised developments to the curriculum, which is becoming more engaging and purposeful. Pupils are increasingly given opportunities to make choices and take responsibility for their learning, helping to develop confidence and independence. The curriculum reflects the school’s local context well, including growing opportunities for pupils to learn about Welsh heritage and history.
Improvements in reading, writing and mathematics were also identified. Targeted reading interventions are beginning to have a positive impact on engagement and progress, writing standards are improving gradually, and a coherent whole‑school approach to mathematics is supporting stronger skills development and real‑life application.
Estyn acknowledged that the school has a clear understanding of its next steps for improvement, including embedding greater consistency in feedback practices and making further use of its extensive outdoor learning environment to support pupils’ development.
Dr Richard Jones, Powys County Council’s Director of Education, said: “This is very positive news for Ysgol Dolafon and, most importantly, for its learners. The progress recognised by Estyn reflects a clear focus on improving the quality of teaching and learning, ensuring that children are supported, challenged and encouraged to thrive.
“It is particularly reassuring to see improvements in classroom practice and teaching consistency, which directly benefit pupils and help ensure that learners in Powys are enjoying the high standards of teaching they deserve.
“The school has worked collaboratively with the council to strengthen leadership, sharpen self‑evaluation and improve learning experiences, and this is having a meaningful impact on young people’s confidence, engagement and progress.
“While the journey of improvement continues, Estyn’s findings show that the school has the leadership capacity, systems and clarity of direction needed to sustain progress. We will continue to work closely with the school to build on these foundations and ensure that ongoing improvements positively impact the experience of every learner.”
Chris Davies, Ysgol Dolafon’s Acting Headteacher, said: “We are delighted with Estyn’s recognition of our successes and progress. We have worked collaboratively with our children, staff, governors, local authority, parents and wider community to bring about change, and drive meaningful improvement across our school, in line with our vision of ‘un teulu mawr’.
“It is pleasing that Estyn have recognised our supportive working relationships with our children, our purposeful culture of professional learning and the clear improvements made in the quality of teaching and learning across the school.
“We have worked hard to co-construct and implement our ‘Teulu’ curriculum, that is based on authentic and purposeful learning experiences, providing a strong foundation for our children to thrive and make progress.
“It is exciting to see our children have a voice in their learning, making choices and taking greater responsibility, which is fostering greater curiosity, enthusiasm and independence.
“As the Acting Headteacher, I remain fully committed to our ongoing improvement journey and look forward to building on our successes, ensuring that our school is the very best place that it can be for our children and community.”
