AN ABERGAVENNY school has been awarded the second-highest possible rating in its most recent school inspection.

Catering for 252 pupils between three and 11 years old, Ysgol Gymraeg y Fenni was inspected by education watchdog Estyn in February.

The report, published last week, stated that the school’s current performance received a “good” rating overall, which means an establishment has many strengths and no important areas requiring significant improvement.

The inspector noted: “Most pupils apply themselves fully to their work and concentrate enthusiastically when completing tasks to a high standard.”

Ysgol Gymraeg y Fenni is in 18th place of the 30 primary schools in Monmouthshire in terms of the school budget per pupil.

Eleven per cent of pupils are eligible for free school meals, and 18 per cent of pupils have additional learning needs.

Despite very few pupils coming from Welsh speaking and ethnic minority backgrounds, most pupils have developed as “confident communicators in Welsh from a low starting point.”

Y Fenni also received a good rating for care, support and guidance, with the inspector writing: “The school has comprehensive policies and procedures that are embedded in order to respond quickly and effectively to any complaints relating to prejudice or instances of bullying, should they arise.”

The school has a range of rigorous procedures for assessing and tracking pupils’ progress with the report stating that when rewarding pupils, teachers ensure that parents also receive a text message honouring their child’s achievements.

Overall, the school’s learning experience was deemed “excellent”, which is the highest rating a school can receive.

Appointed in 2013, head teacher April Wiggins, alongside a senior management team, have “worked together effectively to respond positively to the school’s priorities and to challenge performance and raise standards”, the report found.