A SECONDARY school in Llangollen helps the majority of its pupils to progress with their education and "promotes a highly supportive community that respects diversity" – but must work to support more able pupils after its summer A*-A GCSE grades were "notably lower" than similar schools, the inspectorate for Wales has said.

Ysgol Dinas Brân was inspected by Estyn in November who said that it provides good education and support for the majority of its pupils but needs to improve in a minority of areas.

Across the inspectorate's five inspection areas, the Llangollen school was judged "adequate and needs improvement" in standards; teaching and learning experiences; and leadership and management, and "good" in wellbeing and attitudes to learning; and care, support and guidance.

The report, published on Thursday, January 17 said Ysgol Dinas Brân pupils "make appropriate progress in the majority of lessons," "many speak confidently and fluently in lessons" and "the majority have sound reading skills". They also "write with reasonable accuracy and show a sound understanding of grammar".

The report said “almost all pupils are polite and courteous to staff, peers and visitors” while “many pupils feel safe and they know who to turn to if they have any difficulties,” adding that pupils "enjoy and value the positive working relationship they have with their teachers".

It added the school's "provision for care, support and guidance is characterised by the school’s motto ‘success through effort’" and that it "promotes a highly inclusive, supportive community that respects diversity". Meanwhile, "many pupils participate beneficially in a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as expressive arts workshops, the book club and the chess club”.

However, "a few pupils do not engage fully in their learning, talk too much in lessons and lose interest in their work".

At the end of year 11 "nearly all pupils" remain in education, employment or training.

The report said the headteacher and other leading staff at the school have worked to improve school attendance, however “there has not been enough focus on improving the quality of teaching and assessment during this time”.

The report also said that "the proportion of pupils gaining five or more GCSEs or equivalent at grades A*-A has declined over the past four years, and in 2018 is notably lower than that in similar schools".

It said “leaders have had insufficient impact on the attainment of more able pupils”.

“Leaders have identified accurately weaknesses in the school’s processes” and have recently introduced changes, “but it is too early to evaluate the impact,” it added.

Mark Hatch, headteacher, said: "“We are happy that Estyn have picked up on a number of our key strengths at Ysgol Dinas Brân, in particular around the care, support and guidance provided to pupils and their well-being and attitudes to learning.

"Our aim at Dinas Brân is to continuously develop and improve standards, to provide the best opportunities for our young people and to be part of a thriving community.

"Whilst this report reflects our commitment and performance in these areas, we also recognise that there is always room for improvement and we will be working closely as a team to look at the recommendations to move the school forward in all aspects of our work."