Estyn removes St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School from ‘significant improvement’ list
St Richard Gwyn Roman Catholic High School in Flint has been removed from the list of schools requiring significant improvement, after Estyn judged it to have made sufficient progress following a monitoring visit in February 2026.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales confirmed the decision after inspectors assessed progress against four recommendations set out in the school’s previous core inspection.
The school, on Albert Avenue in Flint, had been placed in the significant improvement category following that earlier inspection.
Estyn’s monitoring report covers teaching quality, self-evaluation and improvement processes, skills development, and Welsh language provision.
On teaching, inspectors found that senior leaders have built a culture of professional learning across the school.
Approaches introduced since the core inspection include “pedagogy pairs,” where staff across departments work together on planning and teaching, alongside weekly collaborative planning time.
Most teachers establish positive working relationships and clear routines, demonstrate secure subject knowledge and monitor pupils’ progress closely during lessons.
Where teaching was found to be particularly effective, inspectors noted that teachers demonstrate enthusiasm for their subject and adapt their approach to meet the needs of all pupils.
On school improvement, leaders now have a much stronger understanding of their role in evaluating the impact of teaching on pupil progress, with “Golden Thread” reviews helping subject leaders identify specific strengths and areas for development.
On skills, leaders have strengthened planning for literacy, numeracy and digital development, with literacy provision described as having a positive impact on pupils.
The Welsh department has been notably strengthened, with most pupils in Years 10 and 11 entered for a GCSE in Welsh and more opportunities for spoken Welsh built into lessons.
The report notes some areas where work continues, including developing greater consistency in how leaders evaluate teaching, extending challenge for the most able pupils in some lessons, and building on the early stages of digital skills planning.
Headteacher Catherine McCormack said: “We are delighted that Estyn has recognised the progress our school has made.”
“This achievement is the result of the hard work and commitment of our staff, pupils, parents and governors. We will continue to build on this progress to ensure the best possible education for all our learners.”
The full monitoring report is available on the Estyn website.
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