AN ESTYN report has shown praise for work done by Bridgend County Borough Council’s education services.
The announcement came after a recent inspection of local government education services by Estyn who are the education and training inspectorate for Wales.
The report, published in March of 2026, noted the council’s effective safeguarding arrangements, inclusive support for learners and strong partnership working between schools, council services and partner organisations.
Bridgend County Borough currently has 22,364 pupils based across 59 schools.
These are spread across 48 primary schools, nine secondary schools, one pupil referral unit (PRU) and two special schools. A total of five are Welsh medium providers.
Following the report’s publication a council spokesperson said: “The report recognised the council’s clear and coordinated approach to school improvement, alongside the collaborative “Team Bridgend” culture that supports learners across education settings.
“Inspectors praised the positive working relationships between the local authority, schools and the pupil referral unit, noting that the partnerships have helped schools make timely improvements and achieve positive inspection outcomes.
“Estyn also highlighted the council’s wide range of specialist provision for children and young people with complex needs, recognising the strong support available for pupils with additional learning needs and other vulnerable learners.
“Support for early years education was also commended, with inspectors recognising the close multi-agency approach that helps identify children’s needs at an early stage and ensures families receive the right support at the right time.”
One recommendation was made to the authority to “sharpen the quality of self-evaluation and improvement planning”.
Cabinet member for education and young people, Cllr Martyn Jones, said it was an “exceptional report that reflects the hard work, professionalism and commitment shown across education services in Bridgend County Borough”.
