Llangattock School Monmouth, a small independent school nestled in the Monmouthshire countryside, is celebrating a glowing Estyn inspection report, just published, following an inspection in March 2025 by Estyn.

There are currently 100 pupils on roll of whom a very few are below compulsory school age, many are aged 4 to 16 years, and a few are in post-16 education

The report commends the school’s nurturing ethos and inclusive practices, as well as its commitment to personalised learning, endorsing the rationale that is embedded in its journey of educational excellence.

Estyn inspectors highlighted the school’s “friendly and nurturing ethos,” noting that “pupil well-being is an important priority for leaders and other staff at the school. They work tirelessly to create an inclusive and nurturing environment for pupils.” This reflects Llangattock’s trauma-informed approach and its emphasis on small class sizes, ensuring that each child receives the attention and support they need to thrive.

The school’s innovative approach to teaching, where classes are arranged by stage rather than age, allows students to progress at their own pace. This flexibility ensures that learning is tailored to individual needs, enabling children to develop their talents without limit. The Estyn report praises this methodology, stating that “teachers plan and adapt work that meets the needs of nearly all pupils,” and that “teachers provide interesting activities to gain pupils’ curiosity and assist them to develop as independent learners.”

Outdoor learning enhances Llangattock’s curriculum. Set within six acres of playing fields, wildflower meadows, and trees, the school offers daily outdoor activities, including weekly Forest School sessions. This contributes to students’ overall well-being, and the curative benefits are clear.

The school’s commitment to fostering strong relationships extends beyond the classroom. Parents and carers are viewed as fundamental partners in their children's education, with open and honest communication encouraged. Regular newsletters, parent evenings, and opportunities for involvement in school activities ensure that families are engaged and valued members of the school community.

Responding to the report’s findings, Principal Rosemary Whaley said: “I am delighted to have created Llangattock School Monmouth, which arose out of a conviction that there is a better way for children to learn. Since we began in 1998, we have created an inclusive environment. This is a place where all students welcome the growing number of children who, for many reasons, thrive in a small and nurturing environment, helping them to become confident and competent adults.”

The Estyn report also acknowledges the school’s effective leadership and management, noting that “This ethos is contributed to and embodied by staff at all levels and, as a result, nearly all pupils make rapid personal development, developing their resilience and self-regulation.”

“Pupils feel known as individuals and trust that, as a result, the school is highly effective in enabling them to make progress.”

For families seeking an educational setting that prioritises individual growth, emotional well-being, and a love of learning, Llangattock School Monmouth offers an inspiring alternative to mainstream schooling. The recent Estyn report serves as a testament to the school’s unwavering dedication to providing a holistic, child-centred education.