Penyrenglyn Community Primary School has been recognised as one of the first in Wales to be awarded an excellence grade in a recent Estyn inspection.
The Treherbert school is so far the only in Rhondda Cynon Taf to reach this particular standard in the full-scale inspection report.
Headteacher Mark Carrington welcomed Rhondda AM and Minister for Education Leighton Andrews and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning to the school to celebrate their success.
Cllr Hanagan said: “This is an exceptionally good inspection report and I want to congratulate everyone involved for making it such a success. It clearly illustrates the hard work that takes place at Penyrenglyn.
“It is testimony to the commitment and dedication of Mr Carrington, staff, governors, parents and students alike who have done so much to make Penyrenglyn an exemplar in their field and I’m sure they will continue to go from strength to strength.”
The Report states that:
* The school’s prospects for improvement are excellent. The head teacher, governors and leadership team have been very successful in developing a shared vision for the school based on high expectations for pupils’ achievement and behaviour, and high levels of care and support. These principles are at the heart of all aspects of the school’s work.
* The headteacher provides outstanding leadership to a very dedicated team in a very challenging community. He has a highly visible presence and an effective ‘hands–on’ leadership style.
* The governors have a clear understanding of their role and are an effective critical friend to the school. They show determination in challenging and supporting the school the school to make improvements. The governors are actively involved in evaluation and planning at whole school level.
* The staff are consistent in their implementation of policies and initiatives.
The school now has to write a Case Study for sector leading practice that will be published nationally by Estyn. Many schools have already visited to observe the current excellent practice in order to support them through their inspections and improve their own standards.
Headteacher Mark Carrington said: “This is the icing on the cake for us following a very successful year, that has included the school gaining the ICT Mark, the Cymru ActiveMarc, the International School Award and the Silver Eco School Award.
“We have also had the opportunity to raise our profile within the community and nationally by appearing on the recent BBC Wales ‘Coming Home’ series with Sian Williams. I am so proud and feel privileged to lead such a fantastic school.”
Chair of Governors, Kevin Morgan, congratulated staff for their dedication to the children and to the school. He said: “I am delighted that the high standards and the quality of the pupils learning experience at Penyrenglyn has been recognised by external educational experts.
“I want to thank all the staff for their hard work, under the excellent – and that’s official! – leadership of Mark Carrington. I also thank the Governors for their commitment and the parents & families for their support. And as for the children – they always make us all feel so proud.”
