Ysgol Maesydderwen in Ystradgynlais has been placed in special measures following a recent Estyn inspection that identified several key areas in need of urgent improvement.

While the inspection report highlights that the school offers a supportive environment, with strong relationships between pupils and staff and a broad curriculum, it also reveals significant weaknesses in the quality of teaching, leadership, and overall pupil progress.

The school has accepted Estyn's recommendations and will work closely with Powys County Council to address these concerns.

The inspection found that although many pupils feel safe and engaged in their learning, a minority experience poor-quality teaching that limits their progress. The report noted that in some lessons, expectations were too low, tasks lacked challenge, and teachers did not always use effective questioning to stimulate pupils’ thinking. Additionally, written feedback was often vague, leaving pupils uncertain about how to improve their work.

Another concern raised in the report was the low overall attendance, which remains well below pre-pandemic levels, particularly among pupils eligible for free school meals. While attendance initiatives have shown early signs of improvement, the report emphasized that further action is needed to address this ongoing issue.

In terms of leadership, the inspection found that while senior leaders have a generally accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses, subject leaders were found to be too lenient in their self-evaluations. The report highlighted that leadership has yet to have a strong enough impact on crucial areas such as improving teaching quality and pupil progress, as well as developing pupils' literacy and numeracy skills.

Estyn's report made four key recommendations for the school:

1. Improve the quality of teaching to raise expectations and provide appropriate challenge for all pupils, including those with additional learning needs

2. Strengthen leadership to ensure leaders at all levels evaluate their work accurately and robustly, and secure the improvements required

3. Improve cross-curricular planning to develop pupils' literacy and numeracy skills progressively

4. Improve attendance

In response to the report, Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “Today I share the disappointment that everyone associated with the school is experiencing.

“This Estyn inspection report gives clear guidance on what is needed to deliver the necessary improvements.

“We will work closely with the school’s senior leaders to make this happen as we begin this improvement journey, concentrating on the recommendations put forward by Estyn as we build on the school’s strengths and address the areas of improvement.”

Hugh Pattrick, Chair of Governors at Ysgol Maesydderwen, said: “As Governors we are obviously very disappointed that Ysgol Maesydderwen has been placed in special measures.

“Although Estyn recognised positive aspects of the school's work during their inspection, we appreciate there is work to do to improve standards within the school.

“We would like to reassure parents we are wholly committed to improving standards and ensuring pupils have the best education possible whilst at Ysgol Maesydderwen.”

The report comes off the back of a damning Estyn report of the council’s education services released last week.

The education watchdog said the authority was "causing significant concern" and issued a series of recommendations to secure improvements, including tackling urgent school site security issues, strengthening leadership, and improving support for schools and pupils with additional learning needs (ALN).

The report has prompted calls for resignations and sackings within the Cabinet.