EDUCATION inspectors Estyn have awarded high ratings to a Barry-based Welsh medium school.

Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg was rated excellent in two of the five areas under assessment - indicating very strong, sustained performance and practice - and good in the other three.

It was announced last year that £21.5 million would be spent on refurbishing the school and building an extension as part of the council’s 21st Century Schools Programme.

In the section of wellbeing and attitudes to learning, the report read: “Most pupils show exceptional pride in their school and develop as ambitious and confident learners.

“Nearly all have very positive attitudes towards school life.

“They take pride in their Welshness and appreciate greatly being part of a close-knit and caring Welsh community.

There were similar compliments under the heading: care, support and guidance.

Inspectors said: “An emphasis on nurturing respectful, caring and responsible citizens, and providing care and support of the highest quality, permeates throughout all of the school’s work.

“Staff’s exceptional dedication to supporting pupils’ wellbeing contributes beneficially to the excellent behaviour of nearly all pupils, their respectful and welcoming demeanour and their positive attitudes to learning.”

Head teacher Hywel Price said: “I am delighted with the Estyn report which has correctly highlighted excellence in wellbeing, attitudes to learning, care, support and guidance, and a continuous improvement in performance over the past three years.

“The recommendations of the report also provide clarity with reference to areas of improvement for future years.

“Pupils, parents, staff and governors can be very proud of such a report, in particular as a newly established three to 19 school.”

Vale council cabinet member for education and regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett said: “Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg should be rightly proud of what is a superb inspection report.

“We already knew this school had a bright future given it will receive significant investment for expansion and to improve facilities.

“But this inspection report also demonstrates the real talent of pupils and school staff. Well done, you should all be very proud of yourselves.”