WHEN people visit, or pass by, Romilly Primary School in view is a building which has served Barry’s pupils since 1893.

Not only is it one of the oldest schools in the UK, it also the largest primary school in the Vale - with 755 pupils on its roll.

Head teacher, Kelvin Law said the school’s vision is a simple one – to make learning fun.

He said: “During their time at our school, children will be happy, confident and excited in their learning.

"We will all work together to make sure that the children develop values, skills and knowledge which will prepare them for the rest of their learning journey and we aim to make learning interesting, fun and relevant for our pupils.”

He said Romilly had a long history of working with other schools, both locally and further afield.

“We are an active part of our Barry cluster of schools, but we also work with schools from across the five local authorities, which make up the Central South Consortium,” he said.

“The school hosts and facilitates training programmes for teachers from other schools including the outstanding teacher programme, programmes for newly qualified teachers and it works with University of Wales Trinity St David’s to help train student teachers.”

The school is also one of Welsh Government’s Pioneer Schools that is working to develop approaches to the new curriculum as proposed by the Donaldson Report - Successful Futures. This means working with and sharing approaches to teaching and learning with schools across Wales.

Mr Law said: “Staff at the school, run a really well-supported Families First project which allows parents and grandparents to come to school and experience a range of actives to help support them with parenting and children’s learning.

“The school also benefits from the support of an excellent governing body who have a wealth of experience and expertise. The governing body is proactive in support the development of the school in all areas."

Romilly and Cadoxton primary school were the first primary schools in Wales to set up and run a Lego Innovation studio.

This studio enables pupils to access a range of innovative and exciting resources produced by Lego education.

Mr Law added that the school also aims to keep pupils safe in numerous ways.

He said: "The school also holds the 'South West Grid for Learning 360 Degree Safe Award' which recognises the high quality work done by the school in helping to keep pupils safe in the digital world.

“We also run a highly regarded nurture programme for vulnerable pupils called ‘Snug Club' where children who are experiencing anxiety or other challenges receive specialist support as part of their day at school.

"This was one of a number areas identified in our most recent ESTYN inspection as being ‘Outstanding Practice’."

Being part of the local community is also a priority for Romilly.

“Romilly has always played a big part in the local community and is held in high regard," said Mr Law. "The school supports and is supported by local organisations such as local traders, old peoples’ homes, the RNLI, and Barry Town football and Rugby clubs.

"The school has a really energetic PTA which runs a range of activities through the year that not only raise funds for the school, but also give opportunities for the local community to engage with the school and its pupils."

Romilly School also has a long history of music education, and the school choir in particular take part in many events over the year.

Recently they were involved in singing in a mass choir of 400 school children in St David’s Hall in Cardiff, supporting the African Children’s Choir who are currently touring Britain and Europe.

A fantastic experience for the children, they sang in front of an audience of 1500 people songs in English, Welsh and Afrikaans.

Mr Law concluded: "One of our key ambitions as a school is to make pupils, and parents feel relaxed and welcome. We pride ourselves on creating an exciting learning buzz around the school to help foster great learning for our children.

"Romilly School has a long tradition within the town and we are delighted that we welcome the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of local residents into our school, with many of our children being third and fourth generation attendees.

“We look forward to serving the people of Barry long into the future.”

School motto: Learning Together – Growing Together

Chairman or chairwoman of governors: Leanne Sokolski

Head teacher: Kelvin Law

Number of pupils: 755

Age of pupils: 3 to 11

Last inspection: 2015, current performance good. Prospects for improvement: excellent