Estyn finds serious safeguarding and leadership failings at Flint High
Flint High School has been placed in special measures following an Estyn inspection that found significant failings in leadership, safeguarding, and the quality of education.
Inspectors said the school “does not provide its pupils with an acceptable standard of education” and that the safety of pupils “is a serious concern.”
The report, published on Thursday, 15 January, found that senior leaders had failed to create a culture of safeguarding or ensure pupils feel safe, enjoy learning, or make sufficient progress.
Around half of pupils told inspectors they do not feel safe in school, and most parents who responded to Estyn’s questionnaire shared similar concerns.
Estyn said long-standing weaknesses in leadership, behaviour management, and attendance monitoring had undermined pupils’ welfare.
It also found inconsistencies in how bullying is recorded and handled, noting that some pupils were sent home for behaviour issues without being formally excluded, breaching Welsh Government guidance.
The report stated: “Senior leaders have failed to secure a culture of safeguarding. Although many staff are committed to improving the well-being of pupils, overall the school does not support pupils’ behaviour, attendance, or engagement in their learning well enough.”
The inspection followed months of unrest among staff. In October 2025, teachers held two further days of strike action over claims of workplace bullying and poor pupil behaviour, bringing the total to eight days of industrial action.
The National Education Union (NEU) Cymru said members were taking a stand against a “failure to ensure a safe working environment.”
At the time, union officials accused the school’s leadership of not addressing concerns and criticised governors for failing to meet staff during the dispute.
Inspectors identified poor teaching standards and a poorly designed curriculum that limited progress.
“In many instances, low expectations, ineffective behaviour management, and weak planning limit pupils’ progress,” the report said.
Leadership across the school was described as “notably dysfunctional”, with “fractured relationships between staff at all levels” and a lack of trust and cooperation.
Estyn said senior leadership roles were unclear and that governors did not provide enough challenge or oversight.
The inspection team made six recommendations, including tackling safeguarding failings, improving leadership, strengthening self-evaluation and improvement planning, and raising teaching and behaviour standards.
Estyn concluded: “In accordance with the Education Act 2005, HMCI is of the opinion that special measures are required in relation to this school.”
The school must now draw up an action plan to show how it will address the recommendations. Estyn will monitor progress every four to six months.
Claire Homard, Chief Officer for Education and Youth at Flintshire County Council, said: “The council is very disappointed by the outcome of the Estyn inspection at Flint High School and fully accepts the recommendations for improvement.”
“The school had been identified as needing additional challenge and support through the council’s school improvement processes, and interventions were already being delivered. The council has acted swiftly to stabilise leadership and staffing arrangements at the school and is working closely with the Interim Executive Headteacher and Governing Body to deliver the necessary improvements at pace.”
“There have already been a number of positive changes since the inspection in November, and the council will continue to monitor the school’s progress, providing extra resources as needed.”
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