Tenby's Ysgol Greenhill praised following positive Estyn visit

Tenby’s secondary school - Ysgol Greenhill is delighted to welcome the publication of Estyn’s Interim Visit Letter following inspectors’ visit to the school last month.

The report highlights the significant progress made since the school’s core inspection in January 2024 and recognises the positive steps leaders, staff, governors and pupils have taken to strengthen key areas of the school’s provision.

The interim visit focused on two important areas: the development of pupils’ Welsh language skills and their understanding of Welsh culture and heritage, alongside the effectiveness of the school’s self-evaluation and improvement planning processes.

Inspectors found that developing Welsh language skills remains a clear priority for the school and noted the considerable work undertaken since the 2024 inspection to create a stronger bilingual culture.

The report recognises the establishment of clear expectations for staff and pupils, the Welsh department’s focus on improving pupils’ confidence and fluency in speaking Welsh, and the increasing opportunities for learners to engage with Welsh language and culture both within and beyond the classroom.

Estyn also highlighted the school's successful work in developing pupils’ understanding of their local heritage and cynefin through learning experiences linked to Tenby, Caldey Island and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The report praised efforts to enhance the bilingual environment through displays, assemblies and communication with the wider school community.

Particular recognition was given to the growing contribution of pupils through Criw Cymraeg and Clwb Cymraeg.

Inspectors noted how pupils are taking an increasingly active leadership role through assemblies, the promotion of ‘Ymadrodd Cymraeg yr Wythnos’, and the publication of the school newsletter, Y Ddraig Goch.

Estyn also acknowledged the increased participation in cultural events, including the school Eisteddfod, Urdd competitions, Dydd Miwsig Cymru and Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae.

The report further recognised the school’s progress in developing a collaborative culture of self-evaluation and continuous improvement.

Inspectors found that leaders, middle leaders and staff now have a stronger shared understanding of the school’s priorities and quality assurance processes. They highlighted the enhanced involvement of middle leaders in review activities, lesson observations and quality assurance work, helping to develop greater consistency across the school.

Inspectors also noted that evidence gathered through self-evaluation is increasingly informing strategic improvement work, including developments in literacy and attendance, and recognised the growing impact of professional learning and collaboration with external partners in building leadership capacity.

These findings build positively on the outcomes of the school's 2024 core inspection, which recognised the supportive leadership of the headteacher, the strong culture of openness and collaboration across the school, improvements in pupils’ learning and wellbeing, and the broad range of support available to learners.

Estyn previously highlighted pupils’ positive attitudes to learning, the quality of pastoral care, and the school’s ambition to become a self-improving organisation.

Headteacher David Haynes said: “We are extremely pleased that Estyn has recognised the significant progress the school continues to make. Since the core inspection in 2024, our staff, governors and pupils, with the support of the Local Authority, have worked tirelessly to strengthen the quality of education and opportunities available to all learners.

“It is particularly encouraging to see our work in promoting the Welsh language, Welsh culture and cynefin recognised, alongside the progress we have made in embedding a culture of self-evaluation and continuous improvement.

“I am especially proud of our pupils, whose enthusiasm, leadership and commitment have been central to the positive developments identified by inspectors. This report reflects the collective efforts of our entire school community and provides a strong platform as we continue our journey towards excellence.”

Chair of Governors, Heulwen Lear, added: “The findings of this interim visit are a testament to the dedication of staff, the commitment of school leaders and the positive contribution made by our pupils. The governing body is delighted to see the progress that has been made and looks forward to supporting the next stage of the school's improvement journey.”

Ysgol Greenhill remains committed to building on these successes and will continue to focus on ensuring that every learner thrives academically, socially and emotionally, while developing a strong sense of Welsh identity, culture and belonging.