A WELSH language primary school in Newport has been judged to be an "excellent" school by the education watchdog.

Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael in Bettws have been graded as excellent for both their current performance and their prospects for improvement following an inspection by Estyn, her majesty's inspectorate for education and training in Wales. The school is currently a "curriculum pioneer school' which means they are working with the Welsh Government and other schools in the programme to develop a pilot for a new curriculum for Wales.

The Estyn report said the school provides a range of rich learning experiences and there is an "obvious relationship of respect and care between adults and pupils, with a great emphasis on equality, diversity and respect."

For wellbeing the school were graded "excellent" for the way in which pupils work independently and make

decisions about their learning which the report said is a "strong feature through the school."

The school of 220 pupils has an individual school budget of £2,238 per pupil in 2015 to 2016.

The report stated that the school’s leadership is "exceptionally effective" and ensures provision and outcomes of a very high standard for all pupils.

Bethan Parry-Jones, who has been the headteacher since 2010, said everyone at the school is "delighted" with the report which positions them among the very best schools in Wales.

She said: "The report highlights the behaviour, positive attitudes and excellent results achieved by our pupils and the value placed by staff, families and the whole community on the excellent standards of education. This is a landmark day in the history of the school and we look forward to a bright future as we play our part in continuing to provide the very best educational standards in this city."

She added: "We would therefore wish to thank and congratulate the whole school community: the team of staff who have shown dedication and devotion to aiming for excellence; all our pupils, parents, Ffrindiau and partners. You also have a governing body to be proud of.

"We are sure that this is a report that the whole community will be pleased with and proud of."