St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School Cardiff: Complete Guide for Parents and Students

St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School is a co-educational voluntary-aided secondary school in Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, serving approximately 1,450 pupils aged 11 to 18 with a Christian ethos and inclusive admissions policy. The school operates under the Diocese of Llandaff while situated on land in the Diocese of Monmouth, creating dual diocesan links. It functions as a comprehensive school providing church-school education primarily to students from eastern Cardiff, though its catchment extends to Caerphilly and the wider Diocese of Monmouth.

What is St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School?

St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School is a mixed 11 to 18 comprehensive voluntary-aided Church in Wales school located at Circle Way East, Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, CF23 9PD. The school educates approximately 1,450 pupils across Year 7 to Year 13, including a sixth form offering A Level and Level 3 qualifications. It operates as a state-funded secondary school with a religious character, classified as Church in Wales Voluntary Aided.

The school serves a diverse community with 24.5% of pupils eligible for free school meals, above the national secondary average of 18.7%. Around 17% of pupils are identified as having additional learning needs, and 7.4% speak English as an additional language. The school maintains an inclusive admissions policy that accepts pupils regardless of faith background, demonstrating commitment to equity within its Christian mission.

Headteacher Mr Canon Ian Loynd leads the school, having taken up the post in September 2019 after serving as deputy headteacher. The school day runs from 8:40 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Contact details include telephone 029 2054 7180 and email stteiloshighschool@cardiff.gov.uk.

Where is St Teilo’s High School located and what is its catchment?

St Teilo’s High School is located at Circle Way East, Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, CF23 9PD, in eastern Cardiff near the A48 road. The school occupies a site that previously served as the playing fields of Llanedeyrn High School, which closed in 2013. The building opened in September 2013 on this new location after the school relocated from its former Llanedeyrn Road, Cyncoed site.

The school’s catchment area primarily covers the eastern half of Cardiff, though it serves a wider geographical and spiritual area as one of three Voluntary Aided Secondary Schools in the Diocese of Llandaff. Many students come from the Diocese of Monmouth and as far away as Caerphilly. The school’s location on land in the Diocese of Monmouth while remaining within the Diocese of Llandaff family creates unique dual diocesan links.

The curved building design functions as a sound barrier against traffic noise from the nearby A48 road, though air pollution remains an issue due to this proximity. The school sits within the Pentwyn ward of Cardiff.

When was St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School established?

St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School opened in September 1966 as an 11-16 school on its former Llanedeyrn Road, Cyncoed site. The school operated from this original location for 47 years before relocating to its current Circle Way East premises in September 2013.

The 2013 relocation coincided with the closure of Llanedeyrn High School, with St Teilo’s moving to the former playing fields while the original Llanedeyrn Road site became home to Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern. The new building was designed by architects Austin-Smith:Lord in a distinctive ‘five finger’ design to accommodate over 1,400 pupils.

Construction occurred in five stages, with the final stages including the MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area), 3G pitch, and football and rugby playing fields. The school officially welcomed students to the new building on 9 September 2013, with then-headteacher Beverley Walker describing it as an incredibly exciting day in the school’s history.

Who was Saint Teilo and why is the school named after him?

Saint Teilo was a 6th-century Welsh bishop and founding saint of Llandaff Cathedral, making him a significant figure in Welsh Christian history. The school’s Welsh name, Ysgol Uwchradd Teilo Sant yr Eglwys yng Nghymru, reflects this Welsh Christian heritage.

Saint Teilo’s connection to the region extends beyond Llandaff Cathedral. He is associated with numerous Welsh churches and place names, establishing him as one of Wales’ most prominent early Christian saints. The school’s naming after Saint Teilo aligns with its identity as a Church in Wales institution within the Diocese of Llandaff, which traces its foundations to Saint Teilo’s 6th-century establishment.

The study of Christianity remains prominent in the curriculum, giving pupils a foundation upon which to extend knowledge to other religions and worldviews while affirming the Christian character of the school. This connection to Saint Teilo reinforces the school’s distinctive identity as a Church in Wales school.

What curriculum does St Teilo’s High School follow?

St Teilo’s High School follows the Curriculum for Wales, meeting all required elements including statements of what matters, cross-curricular skills, and statutory requirements for Relationships and Sexuality Education and Religion, Values and Ethics. The curriculum integrates literacy, numeracy, and digital skills across all subject areas.

The school adapts its curriculum to meet individual and group pupil needs, though a 2022 Estyn inspection noted it did not meet statutory requirements in a few subject areas at that time. Leaders have developed a clear vision for the Curriculum for Wales that aligns with the school’s ambition for creating ‘brilliant learners’.

Key Stage 3 builds effectively on pupils’ prior learning from Key Stage 2. At Key Stage 4 and in the sixth form, the school collaborates with other schools and colleges to offer a wide range of academic and vocational courses. The Welsh Baccalaureate qualification features strongly in the sixth form curriculum.

Provision for Welsh language is appropriate at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, with pupils developing understanding of Welsh culture through the Welsh Baccalaureate and an annual eisteddfod. However, pupils have limited opportunities to use Welsh outside Welsh lessons, which restricts progress in this area.

What subjects and qualifications are offered at St Teilo’s?

St Teilo’s offers more than 20 different A Level and Level 3 subjects in its sixth form, allowing learners to design programmes matching their aspirations and interests. The sixth form curriculum model typically provides five option columns, from which students must choose three courses, one from each column.

Sixth form subjects include Mathematics, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Chemistry, History, Product Design, Engineering Design, Psychology, Economics, English Literature and Language, Physics, Geography, Criminology, Business, Art and Design, Biology, Digital Technology, and Travel and Tourism. Each course has specific entry requirements.

At Key Stage 4, pupils follow Guided Learning Pathways that allow them to shape their curriculum as they transition from Key Stage 3. The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum offering engaging learning experiences across the age range.

Religious education demonstrates excellent subject leadership and highly skilled teaching, with strong religious literacy and deep knowledge recall among learners. The study of Christianity is prominent, providing a foundation for understanding other religions and worldviews.

How does St Teilo’s support pupils with additional learning needs?

St Teilo’s provides exceptional care and support for pupils with additional learning needs through an experienced, highly skilled team working in partnership with external agencies. The school’s inclusive culture ensures there are no ‘lost sheep’, with highly effective additional learning support cited as a key strength.

The annual review process for pupils with additional learning needs is thorough, involving the pupil, parents, and all stakeholders. Teaching staff receive helpful guidance on supporting pupils with additional learning needs in their classes. Effective interventions help secure improvements in pupils’ skills and support continued engagement in learning.

The school provides tailored provision meeting the needs of vulnerable pupils through specialised programmes including ‘LEAP’, ‘ACE’, and Year 12 foundation provision. These programmes effectively support academic progress and personal and social skills for those who find mainstream provision difficult to access.

Specialist teachers and support assistants offer effective, targeted support for individuals and groups. The school works highly effectively with external agencies and specialist services to meet specific individual needs, including partnerships with South Wales Police and local authority Children’s Services for safeguarding.

What are St Teilo’s inspection ratings and academic performance?

St Teilo’s received a Good overall judgement in its March 2022 Estyn inspection, with the school’s current performance and prospects for improvement both rated Good. The September 2024 Section 50 church inspection praised the school as a model for other schools with exceptional personal development and academic outcomes.

At Key Stage 4, performance in qualifications including English and mathematics has improved over recent years and compares well with similar schools. In 2013, Key Stage 4 performance in the level 2 threshold including English and mathematics was above modelled expectations and placed the school in the top 25% of similar schools based on free-school-meal entitlement.

Key Stage 3 performance has steadily improved over four years, with 2013 results higher than expectations and comparing well with similar schools. In core subjects at level 6 and above, performance places the school in the top 25% of similar schools.

The 2022 Estyn inspection noted that in many lessons, teachers’ high expectations and careful planning help pupils make sound progress in knowledge, understanding, and skills. However, in a minority of instances, teachers do not challenge pupils consistently well enough. Sixth form students are keen and committed learners who demonstrate enthusiasm for chosen subjects and secure understanding of key concepts.

What facilities and buildings does St Teilo’s High School have?

St Teilo’s High School occupies a modern building opened in September 2013, designed by Austin-Smith:Lord architects in a distinctive ‘five finger’ design accommodating over 1,400 pupils. The school has 97 full-size classrooms, including 8 ICT computing suites.

The curved building design acts as a sound barrier against noise pollution from the nearby A48 road. As part of the new building, a biometric payment system was introduced, allowing students to pay for lunch using their fingerprint and load money via ParentPay. Students can also print using biometrics through PCounter Secure Printing.

The school benefits from high-quality gymnasium facilities and outdoor sports areas including a MUGA, 3G pitch, and football and rugby playing fields constructed in the final building stages. A deal with Sony UK Technology Centre in Pencoed provides digital signage services, projectors, and video recording facilities.

The building includes a beautiful chapel that enriches the worship life of the school, providing time for calm reflection based on the Christian ‘Ignatian Examen’ practice. All teaching rooms are equipped with the latest information and communication technology to support learning.

How does St Teilo’s promote Christian values and ethos?

St Teilo’s operates with a Christian ethos underpinned by the mission to ‘improve excellence, increase equity and deepen faith’, creating a caring environment where all pupils feel valued. The school’s vision as a place of ‘learning and formation’ is powerfully lived out, with Christian-based love driving all actions.

The 2024 Section 50 inspection highlighted that St Teilo’s is a model for other schools with a highly inclusive culture ensuring no ‘lost sheep’. Leadership inspires adults and pupils with profound commitment to each person becoming who God intends them to be. Staff provide a vibrant, secure learning environment allowing all pupils, especially those needing additional support, to have a fresh start.

Collective worship embodies the mission of inclusive love, with care taken to respect those of various faiths and worldviews. The school chaplain has supported pupils in developing links with the Kigaze community in Uganda, with older pupils visiting for voluntary community activities.

The school’s distinctive Christian character is fundamental to how staff meet community needs. Learners flourish because they are known and loved as unique and precious. Strategic decisions are consistently made through the lens of being a Church school.

What pastoral care and wellbeing support does St Teilo’s provide?

St Teilo’s provides exceptional pastoral care and wellbeing support, with an extensive team offering comprehensive assistance to pupils and families. The school’s caring ethos is underpinned by strong Christian values and consistent focus on equity.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school responded with flexibility and dedication, holding weekly catch-ups with parents and pupils, providing food and wellbeing support to families in crisis, and supplying equipment during school closures. The school remained open for five out of six weeks during summers 2020 and 2021 to support vulnerable learners.

The ‘Puffins’ provision offers cooking facilities and healthy food for families with greatest need, funded as a charitable endeavour by staff. Staff work collaboratively with partners to provide therapeutic support and targeted interventions on issues including self-harm, knife crime, and domestic violence.

The school has a robust approach to safeguarding with procedures well understood by governors and staff. An extensive system identifies pupils at risk, using information to target support responsively. The pastoral team takes an active approach to addressing absenteeism, accounting for different challenges pupils face.

Most pupils feel safe, fairly treated, and free from bullying. The school deals well with bullying using restorative practice to rebuild relationships when appropriate. Pupils have suitable opportunities to take leadership roles including leading an LGBTQ+ support group and volunteering as student librarians and sports coaches.

How do parents and the community view St Teilo’s High School?

Parents and the community view St Teilo’s as an inclusive, loving, and caring school with an enviable reputation for sustaining highest standards. The 2014 Estyn inspection found 97% of parent respondents were satisfied with the school overall, with 50% strongly agreeing and 47% agreeing.

Parents particularly value the school’s commitment to each child. One family member commented to the 2024 Section 50 inspector, ‘you won’t get this in other schools’, attributing this to exceptionally devoted leaders. Partnerships with families and carers are described as compassionate and respectful, with the school ministering beyond its gates.

The school maintains strong partnerships with feeder primary schools, contributing to effective transition and continuity. Strategic partnerships with parents and carers are kept well informed about pupil progress and wider school developments. The school works successfully with parents of vulnerable pupils through multi-agency approaches to improve attendance, behaviour, and standards.

To many parents and carers, the school serves as their main, often only, source of emotional and practical support. The school’s highly inclusive culture and authentic welcome mean adults and pupils grow and thrive as cherished individuals.

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What extracurricular activities and opportunities does St Teilo’s offer?

St Teilo’s offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports, leadership opportunities, and community engagement programmes. Popular sports activities run at break times and after school, with high participation rates and positive attitudes towards physical and mental health.

Pupils have opportunities to take leadership roles including leading an LGBTQ+ support group and volunteering as student librarians and sports coaches. The school council has contributed to improving facilities, aspects of subject provision, and anti-bullying and behaviour policies.

The Welsh Baccalaureate provides varied opportunities including community support activities such as ‘Pudsey’s pals’ and activities during the school’s language week. The school’s eco group has engaged in waste management and outdoor space projects.

Partnerships with local universities support trainee teacher development. The strong partnership with the Church in Wales provides educational opportunities including international links with Uganda.

Students participate enthusiastically in decision-making activities, though pupils in Years 11, 12, and 13 are not represented on the school council or governing body. Many pupils are actively involved in school life and give valuable support to the local and wider community.

How does St Teilo’s prepare students for future education and employment?

St Teilo’s prepares students for higher education, employment, and employment-based learning through its sixth form programmes and career guidance. The sixth form provides opportunities to forge pathways into higher education while fostering new friendships and reflecting on community contribution.

No pupils leave the school without a recognised national qualification, a position maintained for multiple years. No pupils leave at 16 reported as not in education, employment, or training, considerably better than local and national rates. The proportion staying in full-time education after 16 is well above national figures.