A further two Cardiff Primary Schools have scored ‘Good' across the board by Estyn, Wales's education inspectorate.

St John Lloyd Roman Catholic Primary School in Trowbridge and Millbank Primary School in Ely have both received the second highest rating in all five of the categories inspected.

St John Lloyd RC has been described as a ‘happy, safe and very inclusive community, which nurtures and celebrates pupils' achievements.' It was also noted that ‘pupils enjoy coming to school and feel that the school values them.'

Inspectors also commended the headteacher's effective leadership which has set a clear direction for the school, adding that all members of staff work well together, ensuring that all aspects of the school's work have a positive impact on pupils' progress and wellbeing. 

Reflecting on the positive outcome, headteacher Mrs Hart said: "As a school community we are delighted that Estyn described our school as one in which "every child matter". This is at the heart of our school ethos and is something that we believe to be fundamental in providing our pupils with the very best education."

Millbank Primary School has been praised for the ‘engaging learning experiences planned by teachers that sustain the interest of pupils well.'

It was also noted that the school ‘make beneficial use of partnerships to enrich pupils' learning and develop their creative skills well.'

Inspectors added that the ‘headteacher provides clear and purposeful leadership' and that ‘all staff foster strong working relationships with pupils and create a calm and efficient atmosphere in classes."

Millbank Primary School has been praised for the ‘engaging learning experiences planned by teachers that sustain the interest of pupils well,' as well as ‘very good levels of pupils' attendance.' The school is described as, ‘a nurturing community with a strong level of care and co-operation between staff, pupils and parents.'

It was also noted that teachers ‘make very effective use of partnerships with local groups and national organisations to enhance the curriculum'. This has included working with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Welsh National Opera to develop expressive art skills alongside pupils' imagination and self-confidence.

Inspectors added that the headteacher ‘provides clear and purposeful leadership' and that ‘all staff foster strong working relationships with pupils and create a calm and efficient atmosphere in classes'. This is alongside the very positive relationships with parents who ‘value the clear lines of communication between school and home' and ‘appreciate the readiness of staff to meet them to discuss any concerns or issues they wish to raise.'

In a joint response, Millbank Primary School's Headteacher Karen Brown and Acting Headteacher Claire Francis said: "We are very pleased with the recognition given by ESTYN, for the efforts of the whole school community to make Millbank a nurturing, inclusive and successful school which pupils love to attend and where they enjoy very high levels of wellbeing.

"Our happy, popular and friendly school is looking forward to continuing to be the best we can for our pupils and community as we embrace the new curriculum for Wales."

Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills said, "It is so pleasing to see so many of our school's achieving so well in their Estyn inspections.

"This is testament to the dedication, hard work and enthusiasm of the city's teaching staff, governors and the wider communities who have shown pride and support for their local schools.

"Congratulations to Millbank and St John Lloyd, who should be proud of their achievements.

"Cardiff's vision is that all childrenand young people attend a great school and develop the knowledge, skills and characteristics that help them to succeed in their futures. The continued trend of improved performance is proven through these positive inspection results."