News

Pembroke: Estyn report slams Henry Tudor School

Published

7 years ago

January 24, 2019

A BRAND new Pembrokeshire school, which had been open for just ten weeks at the time of inspection in November 2018, is in need of serious and urgent improvement.

The £38.3m Henry Tudor School secondary school needs to raise standards, particularly in key stage 4 and the sixth form, improve pupil attendance and behaviour, and improve the quality of teaching and assessment. The school also needs to strengthen the effectiveness and accountability of the management of the school at all levels.

Estyn, the education and training inspectorate for Wales, said in its latest report: “In accordance with the Education Act 2005, HMCI is of the opinion that this school is in need of significant improvement. The school will draw up an action plan to show how it is going to address the recommendations. Estyn will monitor the school’s progress about 12 months after the publication of this report.”

The school was inspected in five areas of service provision, and under ‘standards’, ‘wellbeing and attitudes to learning’ and ‘care, support and guidance’ the school scored ‘unsatisfactory and in need of urgent improvement’. In the two areas, ‘teaching and learning experience’ and ‘leadership and management’ the school attained ‘adequate but needs improvement’

A spokesperson for the council hit back highlighting the positives in the report, saying: “Positive features from the report include the fact that Henry Tudor School provides a caring and supportive environment which has a positive impact on the majority of pupils.

“Most pupils behave well around the school, enjoy their lessons and are positive about learning. They work independently, engage well in activities, make useful contributions in class and at least suitable progress in lessons. Provision for pupils with additional learning needs is comprehensive and well organised and overall, they make suitable progress over time.

“The report says many pupils feel the school listens to their views and makes changes as a result, and most teachers have secure subject knowledge and many foster productive working relationships with their pupils.

“Many teachers provide good language models, communicate clearly, and establish effective routines to ensure pupils settle quickly and are ready to learn.

“At key stage 4, school leaders plan the curriculum effectively to meet pupils’ educational needs and aspirations, and the school provides a wide range of valuable opportunities to enhance the curriculum.

“Others positives include daily mentor sessions, which are described as beneficial, and the fact that many teachers and school staff engage purposefully with professional learning opportunities. The appointment of the new Head teacher was a ‘catalyst for change’ and there is a clear vision of high expectations for standards and behaviour.

“The report also includes a summary of areas to significantly and rapidly improve. It says there has been a sharp downward trend in the school’s performance at key stage 4 over the past four years, that a minority of pupils do not concentrate well in lessons and the behaviour of a few pupils causes significant disruption in lessons and has a negative impact on other pupils’ progress.

The report adds that a minority of pupils do not feel safe in school, and a few say that they experience bullying. Attendance does not compare well to that in similar schools.

It also says that in the majority of cases, teachers do not plan lessons sufficiently well to enable pupils to make strong progress and in general, the quality of teachers’ written feedback to pupils is too variable.

Other areas to improve include self-evaluation and improvement planning work and the professional learning support for middle leaders.

Mrs Fiona Kite, Headteacher of Henry Tudor School since September 2017, said governors and staff are working hard to address the recommendations in the report, and to ensure that the school is rated at least good by Estyn in the future.

“We look forward to welcoming them back for a monitoring visit in 12 to 18 months’ time, and to show them the impact of the range of new initiatives which have already been implemented at the school,” said Mrs Kite.

“We are very proud of our pupils and all of their many academic, creative and sporting achievements.”

A worrying paragraph in the report states: “A minority of pupils do not concentrate well in lessons and do not contribute to class discussions.

“The behaviour of a few pupils causes significant disruption in lessons and impacts negatively on other pupils’ progress.

“A very few pupils are disrespectful and defiant towards staff and do not show appropriate respect and care for others. A minority of pupils do not feel safe in school and a very few pupils reported that aggressive behaviour by a few pupils is common during break times. A few pupils say that they experience bullying and a minority feel that the school does not deal effectively with this.

“The rates of both fixed term and permanent exclusion are too high. Although attendance has improved marginally over the last three years, it remains significantly below that in similar schools. However, rates of persistent absence have declined during the last two years. “

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

9 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

10 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

10 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.