Education Sector

Secondary

Close-up of a student’s hands adjusting the controls on a soundboard in a school radio studio.

Secondary

We celebrate the successes, highlight areas for improvement and focus on what’s important for learners in secondary schools.

Explore advice and resources created for those working in the secondary education sector.

More information about our work is available below.

Our approach

Three students in school uniforms diligently writing in their notebooks during a classroom activity

Ways to improve

Estyn are here to help you. Explore our vast wealth of improvement resources.

Poverty and disadvantage

Attendance

Featured Secondary resources

All resources

Sgwrs Podcast: Curriculum for Wales

Sgwrs Podcast: Towards an Anti-Racist Wales

Developing pupils’ speaking and listening skills through a bespoke whole school oracy framework supported by an explicitly taught behaviour curriculum.

The use of effective self-evaluation supported by robust monitoring, review and evaluation (MRE) processes to develop leadership and lead school improvement.

Thematic report - The additional learning needs system

Developing pupils’ understanding of the Welsh language and Welsh culture

The impact of professional learning on improving the quality of teaching in Radyr Comprehensive School

Thematic Report: Transition and pupil progression

Thematic Report: Developing pupils’ Welsh reading skills from 10-14 years of age

Resources and assessments to support the development of pupils’ numeracy skills

Inspection guidance resources

These handbooks are valuable resources to gain insights into the standards and methodologies employed during inspections.

How we inspect What we inspect

Latest articles

Blog posts and news articles relating to the Secondary sector.

All articles

Interim visits: a supportive approach to school inspections

Estyn Annual Report: Clear direction, improving self-evaluation and support and tackling recruitment are key to future success in Wales’ education system

Estyn live: Transition and pupil progression

Estyn to review use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools

Estyn live: Developing pupils’ Welsh reading skills from 10-14 years of age

Estyn outlines sector challenges and successes in early insights report

Statement: The teaching of reading in Wales

Estyn highlights the need for stronger collaboration between primary and secondary schools to support pupil transition

Estyn highlights the importance of Welsh reading across the curriculum as negative impact of pandemic still affects standards

Youth attending the Estyn tent at the Urdd Eisteddfod 2024

Urdd Eisteddfod Maldwyn 2024

Inspection and report schedule

Latest inspection reports

Newport City Council 2025-04-23

Inspection report Caerleon Comprehensive School 2025 (English only)

Isle of Anglesey County Council 2025-04-23

Inspection report Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi 2025

Caerphilly County Borough Council 2025-04-23

Inspection report Lewis School Pengam 2025

Isle of Anglesey County Council 2025-04-23

Parents and carers - Inspection report - Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi 2025

Caerphilly County Borough Council 2025-04-23

Parents and carers - Inspection report - Lewis School Pengam 2025

Newport City Council 2025-04-23

Parents and carers - Inspection report - Caerleon Comprehensive School 2025 (Engish only)

See all inspection reports

Inspection schedule

Secondary 2025-05-13

Abersychan Comprehensive School

Secondary 2025-05-13

Bishopston Comprehensive School

Secondary 2025-05-13

St David's High School

View the full inspection schedule

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