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.”

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.

A YOUNG rugby player was left fighting for his life after being stabbed repeatedly outside a Gorseinon social club — and on Friday (Dec 19) the man responsible was jailed at Swansea Crown Court.

Morgan Hopkins, aged 18 at the time of the attack, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday (June 22) outside The New Lodge Social Club on Alexandra Road.

Mr Hopkins, known to friends as “Hobby”, is a local rugby player with Morriston RFC. He had been waiting for a lift home with his girlfriend when trouble broke out nearby.

The court heard that Mr Hopkins attempted to defuse a confrontation between another group of males and Kane Evans. As tensions rose, Evans approached Mr Hopkins armed with a knife.

In a final attempt to calm the situation, Mr Hopkins reportedly said: “No one needed to get hurt.”

Moments later, Evans launched a ferocious and unprovoked attack.

Mr Hopkins was stabbed no fewer than ten times to the chest and abdomen. Surgeons later told police that one of the wounds was less than half an inch from being fatal.

He underwent extensive emergency surgery and was left with lasting physical and psychological injuries.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, Mr Hopkins described the terror of the attack and the devastating impact it has had on his life.

He said his dream of playing professional rugby had been put on hold, adding that the loss of weekly matches had left him feeling lost and isolated. He told the court he no longer felt safe in his own home and struggled to go out, describing ongoing anxiety and depression.

Mr Hopkins also detailed the financial consequences of the attack, saying he had lost around £4,800 in wages and a further £800 from a cancelled holiday.

Police confirmed that Kane Evans, now aged 21, had gone out that night armed with a kitchen knife and may also have been carrying a second Stanley-type blade.

Officers said Evans was aggressive at the time of his arrest and was later charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

At Swansea Crown Court today, Evans was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years to follow.

Passing sentence, the judge described the attack as random and extremely violent, warning that Evans posed a serious ongoing risk to the public.

Family members and supporters of Mr Hopkins were present in court as the sentence was handed down.

Since the attack, friends, teammates and members of the local community have rallied around Mr Hopkins, offering support as he continues his recovery from injuries that have permanently altered his life.