It is a pleasure to warmly welcome you to Bishopston Comprehensive School. We pride ourselves in developing:
‘An outstanding, nurturing learning community founded upon mutual respect; empowering all to be lifelong learners and the best that they can be!’
We continue to be one of the highest achieving schools in Wales and have been asked to share excellent practice by numerous external bodies. This is a huge compliment to our whole school community of staff, pupils, parents/carers and Governors who work together in partnership to continue to improve standards in aspects of life in our school. We are delighted to highlight the findings of the ESTYN Inspection Report, published in July 2025. This report recognises our continued commitment to providing an excellent, high-quality, inclusive education in a supportive and nurturing learning environment. This reflects the enthusiasm of our pupils, support of parents/carers, the dedication of our staff and the strength of our school community.
Feeling safe, happy and respected
Our whole school community values and promotes mutual respect and positive behaviour. We believe that all pupils deserve to feel safe, happy and respected. Pupils thrive in our caring and friendly learning environment, where the safeguarding and wellbeing of the pupils is paramount.
“Nearly all pupils demonstrate high levels of wellbeing. This has an extremely positive impact on the standards they achieve and on their personal development.” (Estyn 2025)
“Pupils behave in an exemplary manner in lessons and around the school. They are courteous and polite to others.” (Estyn 2025)
“They respond maturely to adults and engage confidently in discussion about moral and ethical issues and current affairs.” (Estyn 2025)
High aspirations and outstanding achievements
The outstanding external examination results achieved by our pupils are the result of high expectations, a very strong work ethic and the existence of a positive climate for learning where respect, humility, trust and commitment provide the basis for success. We are committed to promoting and enabling pupil wellbeing, equity and inclusion. We firmly believe that every child deserves an excellent education in a happy, safe and nurturing learning environment.
Teaching, Learning and Attitudes to Learning
We aspire to deliver high-quality education through outstanding teaching, a broad and balanced curriculum and a strong culture of achievement.
“High quality teaching is a notable strength of Bishopston Comprehensive School, and this fosters strong pupil engagement, exemplary behaviour and consistent progress.” (Estyn 2025)
We are delighted that Estyn recognised the positive relationships and attitudes to learning that inspire all pupils to engage and succeed.
“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and collaborate effectively with one another in a supportive manner to enhance their learning.” (Estyn 2025)
“They embrace the school ethos that it is ‘cool to do well in school’.” (Estyn 2025)
Inclusive
Importantly, our inclusive ethos ensures the tailored support for pupils with additional learning needs. Individualised interventions and a nurturing environment ensure that every learner is empowered to reach their full potential. This inclusive approach reflects our dedication to equity and excellence for all. We are delighted that Estyn recognised the highly effective pastoral system that supports this culture:
“The school provides strong pastoral support and an effectively planned and responsive personal and social education programme.” (Estyn 2025)
A Broad and Balanced Curriculum
Pupils experience and enjoy a wide range of opportunities through a wide and diverse curriculum, providing a breadth and balance that offers an appropriate pathway for each individual. This includes both academic and vocational courses to suit the aspirations of every pupil so that they become ambitious, capable learners ready to learn throughout their lives. Across the curriculum we place a significant emphasis on life skills including literacy, numeracy and digital competency, which are fully embedded across the curriculum. Creativity has also fully developed across the curriculum in lessons, intergenerational projects and whole-school events.
Leadership
Estyn also recognised leadership at all levels in Bishopston as ambitious, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Continued high aspirations, focus on continual improvement and professional learning, support high quality teaching and learning and wellbeing.
“Leaders are ambitious and inclusive and pupil and staff wellbeing are prioritised.”
“The robust systems for self-evaluation, improvement planning and professional development ensure that there is a strong culture of collaboration and accountability.”
Community and Pupil Voice
The strong partnerships with the local community and opportunities for pupil leadership are highly effective in Bishopston. We believe these are paramount and contribute to an engaging and supportive school culture where there is a strong ‘sense of belonging.’
“Pupil voice is a valued and influential part of school life. There are extensive and purposeful opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles. A wide range of pupils undertake leadership roles, and this inclusivity strengthens the sense of belonging across the school community.”
We invite you to explore our prospectus and discover what makes Bishopston such a special community in which to learn, develop and grow. For more information, please visit our website:
Mrs A. R. Sykes
Headteacher