Ysgol Maesydderwen, a secondary school in Ystradgynlais, has recently been placed under special measures following a critical report highlighting concerns over “poor” teaching quality and “very low” attendance rates. This school, housing 542 pupils, is now among several Powys schools that have faced scrutiny from Estyn inspectors. The report pointed out that some teachers at Ysgol Maesydderwen had low expectations, leading to subpar teaching standards, especially in a minority of lessons. Specifically, the report mentioned that tasks lacked depth, questioning techniques were ineffective in stimulating critical thinking, and feedback provided to students was too vague, hindering their ability to improve their work effectively.
Furthermore, the report noted that attendance at the school “remains very low and well below pre-pandemic levels,” despite slight improvements from the previous year. In terms of leadership, Estyn found that subject leaders tended to be overly lenient, impacting the overall quality of teaching and the development of students’ literacy and numeracy skills. Consequently, Estyn deemed that special measures were necessary and mandated the school to devise an action plan to address issues such as teaching quality, leadership, and attendance. The school will be closely monitored by Estyn every four to six months to track progress on these improvements.
The inspection report on Ysgol Maesydderwen comes at a time when Powys County Council is scheduled to convene an extraordinary meeting to address a broader Estyn report regarding education standards in the county. This larger report highlighted a pattern of “poor” inspection outcomes for secondary and all-ages schools in Powys, identifying leadership deficiencies at various levels, including within the political sphere. Estyn has recommended urgent action to address school site security concerns and establish a financially sustainable model for 16-19 education within the county.
In response to the Estyn report, Councillor Pete Roberts, the cabinet member for learning, expressed shared disappointment regarding Ysgol Maesydderwen but also articulated a commitment to working with the school’s senior leaders to implement necessary improvements. Hugh Pattrick, the school’s chair of governors, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the need for enhancing standards within the school and ensuring a high-quality education for all students. Parents were reassured of the governing body’s dedication to driving positive change and elevating educational standards at Ysgol Maesydderwen.
The challenges faced by Ysgol Maesydderwen are emblematic of broader issues within the education landscape in Powys, prompting a critical assessment of leadership structures and operational mechanisms within the county. The concerted efforts of stakeholders, including school leadership, governors, and local authorities, will be crucial in addressing the deficiencies identified by Estyn and steering the school towards improved teaching quality, student engagement, and academic outcomes. As the school embarks on the journey of improvement outlined by the inspection report, collaboration and decisive action will be key in fostering a positive learning environment for all students at Ysgol Maesydderwen.