Gwernyfed High School is delighted to announce that it has officially been removed from special measures.

This is following a recent inspection by Estyn, the education and training inspectorate for Wales.

The inspection team praised the significant improvements made across many aspects of the school, highlighting the dedication and hard work of the entire school community. This milestone reflects rigorous efforts to address the areas of significant concern identified in previous reports and highlights the school's commitment to providing high-quality education.

The key achievements outlined are:

• Improving the progress pupils make in lessons, skills, and outcomes

• Improving attendance and attitudes to learning

• Improving teaching quality

• Significantly improving leadership at all levels

• Addressing the health and safety issues identified in the original inspection

Headteacher Kirsty Retallick, who joined the school from RCT in the summer of 2023, commented: "We are incredibly proud of this achievement. The removal from special measures is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our pupils, staff, and the wider school community. We are committed to sustaining these improvements and continuing on our journey to excellence."

The Estyn team highlighted the positive impact in pupils' progress, contextual attendance, and quality of teaching. They also noted the significant progress in the quality of leadership, which has markedly improved the school's culture and ethos.

Chair of Governors Geoff Mesher added: “This outcome is momentous for Gwernyfed High School and due reward for the hard work and support of pupils, staff, parents, the local community and Powys County Council.  It is not a final destination; we will continue to strive for excellence in all areas of school life and do our utmost to provide the best education possible for each and every pupil.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “This is excellent news. I would like to thank the school leaders, governing body and staff for their hard work to raise standards for the benefit of all pupils.

“I also want to acknowledge the work and efforts of officers from the council’s School Service in helping Gwernyfed High School on their improvement journey.

“I’m delighted that Estyn has recognised the improvements made by the school. Congratulations to everyone who have been involved in this improvement journey.”

William Powell, Welsh Lib Dem County Councillor for Talgarth and a former Head Boy of Gwernyfed, said: “This is a landmark day in the history of our school. I'm delighted to add my congratulations to Mrs Kirsty Retallick and her staff, all the pupils and parents on this achievement.

“The Gwernyfed High School community is strong and resilient, having dealt with many challenges over the past decade. The wider community and Powys County Council will now be in no doubt that Gwernyfed is and will remain a centre of excellence in education into the future, with teaching and learning at its heart.”

Gwernyfed High School extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this success and looks forward to building upon this to achieve even greater heights.