Inspectors have welcomed 'significant changes' at Ysgol Friars in Bangor, following the conviction of paedophile Neil Foden.

A Estyn report published this week says the secondary school has seen improvements in teaching and leadership since appointing a new full-time headteacher last year.

But it warned work still needs to be done to tackle falling attendance rates, which remain below below that of similar schools.

Both Ysgol Friars and Cyngor Gwynedd have welcomed the findings and have pledged to act on four recommendations made by Estyn.

Last February's inspection was the first to be carried out since Foden was jailed for 17 years, after he was found guilty of sexually abusing girls between 2019 and 2023.

Summarising the findings, inspectors said Ysgol Friars had seen significant changes in leadership and governance "following an extremely difficult period".

It notes the incumbent headteacher, Margaret Davies "has focused on strengthening safeguarding and pastoral systems, re-establishing quality assurance processes and placing a strong emphasis on rebuilding trust and fostering an inclusive culture".

"This well considered programme of change is securing improvements in teaching and middle leaders’ ability to evaluate provision and learning within their areas of responsibility."

"Leadership is increasingly cohesive and collaborative. Staff and governors are committed and supportive of the headteacher’s vision and the changes implemented by the senior leadership team."

The report goes onto note that many pupils behave well and "make sound progress over time" with teachers establishing "clear classroom routines" and challenging pupils to "think deeply to develop their understanding in new and more complex contexts".

But it adds that teachers do not always plan carefully enough "to ensure consistent progress and do not match the pace of learning to the needs of pupils well enough."

Plans to develop pupils' Welsh language skills across the curriculum are at an early stage of development.

There's praise for the school's "caring environment" and the work of the school's pastoral team as well as support for pupils' emotional and learning needs, with safeguarding arrangements described as "appropriate and well understood by staff".

And while falling attendance rates are highlighted, inspectors say monitoring is "an early stage" and has not secured enough improvement in this important aspect.

Reacting to the report, Margaret Davies said: "It was a pleasure to welcome the Estyn team to the school after the February half-term, and to have the opportunity to show how the pupils and staff contribute to making the school a special place."

"During the visit, inspectors interviewed staff and governors, spoke with pupils and looked at their work, visited the majority of lessons, and scrutinised our policies and procedures. This was in addition to sending questionnaires to parents and carers, pupils, staff and governors."

"We are very pleased with the findings of the report, which bear witness to the commitment and hard work of Ysgol Friars pupils and staff."

"Of course, there is always room for improvement, and the report identifies the areas where we need to continue to strengthen. We welcome these recommendations and are fully committed to addressing them thoroughly and effectively."

The report makes four recommendations, including:

• Strengthen strategic leadership and co-ordinate approaches to improve pupils' attendance
• Improve provision for progressive development of pupils' skills across the curriculum
• Ensure teaching consistently challenges pupils to make strong progress
• Strengthen planning for the provision of Welsh, including how pupils use the language across the curriculum.

Estyn says the school will draw up an action plan to address its recommendations with Cyngor Gwynedd saying arrangements are already in place.

Elin Walker Jones, chair of the Ysgol Friars governing body, added: "Thank you to Estyn inspectors for their detailed and professional work. I pay tribute to the school’s staff, as this report reflects their dedication and enthusiasm, and I also thank our pupils’ families and the wider community for their continued support."

"As we all look to the future, this report is another step forward as we work together to ensure the best possible educational provision, community hub and wellbeing for our young people."