A PONTYPOOL primary school head teacher has said his pupils being an “inspiration” helped the school receive the second-highest Estyn rating.

Padre Pio Primary School in Pontypool received a “good” rating in its latest Estyn report, which was carried out in December last year.

The 226 pupils at Padre Pio RC Primary School were praised for making “good progress” in developing literacy and numeracy skills across the curriculum.

Head teacher Paul Welsh said the new rating is a great achievement for the school.

He said: “We are understandably pleased with the rating. I spoke about it in our recent newsletter as I am so proud. I would say the rating is down to the communication of our staff and governors, and how supportive our parents are. Our pupils are also an inspiration.”

The report described the school as “a welcoming, caring and inclusive community” and mentioned Mr Welsh’s “efficient and effective” leadership, as well as his “strong support” from the deputy head teacher and senior team.

An inspector wrote in December: “In the foundation phase, most pupils listen well and talk confidently to visitors about their learning.

“In Key Stage 2, nearly all pupils listen with interest to adults and each other.

“Nearly all pupils behave very well in lessons and around the school. They are polite and friendly to adults and to each other.”

The school was first inspected in February 2010, which was around 18 months after St Francis Primary and St Albans Primary amalgamated to become Padre Pio Primary.

“In some ways we were still settling in back then,” said Mr Welsh. “I didn’t think the report really showed what we were capable of.”

Now staff at the school are looking at the inspector’s prospects for improvement.

Mr Welsh said: “We will be definitely take the recommendations on board. It is a strong and full report on where we are.

“It’s a great school and I’d like to thank the parents, staff, governors and in particular the pupils.”

For more information on the school, visit schoolswire.co.uk/public/padre538.html