TWO Aberystwyth primary schools have been recognised by Estyn for their excellence at an awards evening in Cardiff.

Staff at Ysgol Gymraeg and Ysgol Comins Coch were presented with certificates and congratulated by Estyn’s chief inspector, Meilyr Rowlands, and the Welsh Government Cabinet secretary for education, Kirsty Williams, at the glittering ceremony on Friday, 20 October.

The awards recognised the 34 schools, colleges and other settings that were judged to be excellent for one or both of the overall judgements for current performance and prospects for improvement, or in three or more inspection areas in the 2016-17 academic year.

Ysgol Comins Coch was recognised for “effective distribution of staff responsibilities to promote professional learning and shared responsibility”, while Ysgol Gymraeg was praised for its “collaborative approach to developing creative activities”.

Inspectors said Ysgol Comins Coch “strives to create a happy, caring school where everyone feels valued and motivated in all aspects of school life”.

“Performance management is strongly focused on achieving this aim with peer observation, staff mentoring and training forming part of an inclusive whole school approach.

“Effective collaboration and distribution of leadership fosters a professional learning culture which drives the school forward.”

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