**Abertillery Learning Community Returns to Special Measures Following Critical Estyn Inspection**
A large school in Blaenau Gwent has been placed back into special measures after a disappointing inspection by Estyn, Wales’ education watchdog. The Abertillery Learning Community, a prominent all-through mixed comprehensive institution enrolling over 1,600 students, has been found to have significant failings, particularly regarding the development of pupils’ reading and writing skills.
The latest inspection represents a setback for the English-medium school, which had previously shown signs of progress. In 2022, the school was removed from Estyn’s list of institutions that required significant improvement. However, Estyn’s most recent findings have resulted in the school being reassessed and listed as needing “special measures” once again.
Central to Estyn’s criticisms was a lack of progress in literacy among primary-age students. The report stated that just a small number of younger pupils were seen to make robust progress in developing their reading and writing skills. Inspectors indicated that this was emblematic of broader educational shortcomings that extended throughout the school years.
Further findings highlighted that the school does not provide enough opportunities across all age groups for pupils to improve their literacy and numeracy. The report pointed out that, in several classes, teaching methods largely relied on worksheets or extensive teacher talk, which led to insufficiently engaging activities. According to Estyn, this approach limited both independent and critical thinking among the students.
Inspectors also observed that the lessons tended to be too teacher-led, with children not receiving ample opportunities to take charge of their learning. This resulted in many pupils becoming overly dependent on teacher direction, which affected those in the upper school most acutely. In the words of the inspector, “many make limited progress” as a result of low expectations and unchallenging tasks set by some educators.
Additionally, feedback from teachers was found to be effective in only a “few” instances. The report described a trend of secondary-aged students struggling with unfamiliar vocabulary, further indicating an over-reliance on teachers for guidance rather than developing the skills to tackle new challenges independently. In the lower years, some children did demonstrate sound writing abilities, but by the time pupils reached the end of Year Six, a significant minority continued to have difficulties with basic spelling, punctuation, and handwriting. These challenges persisted for many as they moved through to higher year groups.
Leadership was another area of concern, with Estyn criticising the school’s strategic planning for improvement. The report described planning as lacking focus and precision. Furthermore, the school’s provision for the Welsh language was labelled “underdeveloped”, suggesting limited opportunities for pupils to study Welsh and benefit from bilingual education, a statutory requirement up to the age of 16 in Wales.
Following its review, Estyn has now called for significant improvement and tasked the school with creating a detailed action plan targeting several key recommendations. These include raising the quality of teaching, enhancing literacy and numeracy provision, improving leadership and planning, and ensuring statutory Welsh language education requirements are met.
Looking forward, Estyn will continue to monitor the Abertillery Learning Community over the next year. Meanwhile, the school’s finances remain under scrutiny, with its budget currently managed under a deficit reduction plan overseen by Blaenau Gwent Council. The situation highlights the ongoing challenge facing large schools in Wales tasked with providing high-quality, inclusive education amid financial and organisational pressures.
Education commentators note that such inspections are designed not only to diagnose problems but also to drive lasting improvements through robust monitoring and targeted support. For students, parents, and local stakeholders, all eyes will be on Abertillery Learning Community as it works to address these concerns and move back towards more positive outcomes.