Fairfield Primary School Celebrates Major Milestone Following Positive Estyn Monitoring Visit
Fairfield Primary School in Penarth is celebrating a significant milestone after Estyn confirmed that the school has made sufficient progress in addressing recommendations from its previous inspection and will be removed from the list of schools requiring significant improvement.
Following a monitoring visit in July 2026, inspectors confirmed that Fairfield Primary School had made sufficient progress since its last inspection in 2025.
The decision recognises the positive steps taken by the school to strengthen leadership, improve teaching and learning, develop its curriculum and raise the profile of the Welsh language.
The report highlights the “calm, measured and determined approach” of the school’s interim senior leadership team, whose clear vision and robust approach to self-evaluation are helping to drive improvement across the school.
Significant work has also taken place to support staff development, strengthen collaboration and improve the quality of teaching. Professional learning, coaching and partnerships with other schools have helped teachers develop their practice, while revised assessments and a carefully structured curriculum are supporting pupils to build on their knowledge and skills as they progress through the school.
Another important area of progress has been the development of Welsh language provision. Through focused professional learning, stronger partnerships and more consistent teaching approaches, staff are growing in confidence, and pupils are being given regular opportunities to practice their Welsh, with the language becoming a more visible and active part of everyday school life.
Mr Graeme Jones, Head of School at Fairfield Primary, said: “This achievement is a direct result of the dedicated hard work and commitment shown across our entire school community - including our pupils, staff, parents, and Governors. We are immensely proud of the progress made so far and look forward to building on this strong foundation as we continue our journey of securing further school improvement.”
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, the Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “This is very welcome news for Fairfield Primary School and a real testament to the hard work, dedication and determination of everyone involved in its improvement journey.
“Strong schools are built on a shared ambition to help every child reach their full potential. It is encouraging to see the progress Fairfield has made, with the school community working together to strengthen provision, build confidence and create positive learning experiences for each and every learner.
“This recognition from Estyn marks an important step forward and provides a strong platform for continued improvement. I would like to congratulate everyone at Fairfield on the part they have played in achieving this milestone and I look forward to seeing the school continue to build on this progress and provide the best possible opportunities for every child.”