A Brynmawr primary school has been praised by inspectors as a "happy caring school where pupils are welcomed, valued, and nurtured," in a report published this week.

St Mary's Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School was inspected by Estyn, the education and training inspectorate for Wales, in April. The school has 239 pupils on its roll.

Inspectors found pupils "extremely polite and respectful towards adults, visitors and each other," with older pupils acting as positive role models and taking on leadership roles that build their confidence and sense of responsibility. One 11-year-old pupil described belonging to St Mary's as feeling like "a second home," adding that being part of a Church school helps them understand that "everyone is special, and we all have something to give."

As a Voluntary Aided Church in Wales school, St Mary's has close ties to its local church. Pupils described praying together, singing hymns and visiting the church as things that make school "feel like a really kind place," while another wrote that being part of the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon helps them feel "connected... part of a much bigger family." Inspectors noted the school carries out "a wealth of" charity work and community involvement, and praised its pupil-led Spirituality Group for helping steer work around the school's core values, which the report found contributes positively to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The school also holds Gold Rights Respecting status from UNICEF.

Most pupils, including those with additional learning needs and those from low-income households, were found to make good progress from their individual starting points. Staff were praised for identifying additional learning needs promptly and working closely with families and outside agencies to put timely, effective support in place.

The school's Welsh language provision was singled out for special praise, with inspectors describing staff as modelling Welsh so effectively that pupils "see, hear and speak" the language throughout the school day, developing into confident and enthusiastic Welsh speakers.

Leadership was also commended. Headteacher Cathryn Knowlson, appointed in September 2021, was praised for providing effective leadership, with senior staff working as a strong team to build a positive ethos. Governors were found to provide robust support and challenge, while communication with families was described as "open and effective," with parents trusting that the school always has children's best interests at heart.

Diocesan Director of Education, John Meredith, said the report reflected what Church in Wales schools aim to be. "St Mary's embodies what we mean when we say our schools are the heart of their communities, a place where children are valued, and where faith is lived out in everyday kindness rather than simply taught in a classroom," he said.

John said the diocese would now work with the school on the themes of Creativity and Environmental awareness, as well as continuing work on Welcome and Schools of Sanctuary, "so that every child, whatever their background, knows they have a place here."

"Above all, the wellbeing of every child, every member of staff, and the wider school family remains our shared priority," he said. "That is the calling I feel most keenly: to walk alongside our schools as they nurture not just academic success, but the spiritual, emotional and personal flourishing of every person who walks through their gates."