My name is Mr Williams and I joined Ysgol y Llan as Headteacher in September 2024. Prior to this, I worked as Deputy Headteacher in a large junior school in Conwy and previously taught in a Church school in Denbighshire. I began my teaching career in 2008 and have enjoyed working across a range of schools and communities in North Wales.
I am passionate about creating a nurturing and ambitious environment where every child feels valued, confident and inspired to succeed. Working closely with families, governors and the wider community is extremely important to me, and I believe strong partnerships help our pupils thrive both academically and personally.
Outside of the classroom I enjoy music and sport. I particularly enjoy playing the piano and often share this with the children during assemblies and school activities. It is a privilege to lead Ysgol y Llan and to be part of such a supportive and caring school community.
I hope our website gives you a good insight into life at our school. If you would like to learn more about Ysgol y Llan, please do not hesitate to contact us or arrange a visit. We would be delighted to welcome you to our school.
Our School
Ysgol y Llan, Whitford, is a Church in Wales Voluntary Aided primary school catering for children aged 3–11 years (Nursery to Year 6). Located in the rural village of Whitford, the school enjoys stunning views across the River Dee estuary and the surrounding countryside.
We are a small English-medium primary school, currently with 77 pupils on roll, and we are proud of our strong reputation within the local community. The school provides a broad and balanced education aligned with the Curriculum for Wales, promoting high standards of learning while nurturing pupils’ self-esteem, cooperation and respect for others within a strong Christian ethos.
Founded in 1740, Ysgol y Llan has a rich and proud history. The school has undergone several developments over time, including significant rebuilds in 1851, 1926 and most recently in 2003, ensuring that the learning environment continues to meet the needs of modern education while maintaining its historic character.
Our mission is to provide high-quality education in a secure, caring and supportive environment, where every child is encouraged to develop their individual talents and reach their full potential. The school’s ethos reflects its historic and religious foundations, and we work closely with the local parish church and the Diocese to support faith-based education and collective worship.
The school website provides further insight into the life of the school, our values, achievements and the many opportunities available to pupils at Ysgol y Llan.
Ysgol y Llan benefits from a well-resourced and engaging learning environment that supports pupils’ wellbeing, physical development and curiosity about the natural world. The school grounds provide a wide range of outdoor learning opportunities that enhance the curriculum and encourage pupils to develop independence, resilience and a love of learning.
The school playground is well equipped with a variety of PE and play equipment, enabling pupils to remain active and engaged during breaktimes and lunchtime. A popular feature of the playground is the trim trail, which allows pupils to develop balance, coordination and physical confidence while enjoying outdoor play.
The school also has extensive outdoor learning areas. A large school field provides space for sports, physical education lessons, and whole-school activities such as sports day and community events. In addition, the school maintains its own orchard, where pupils learn about nature, seasonal change and sustainability.
To support outdoor learning across the curriculum, the school has developed several dedicated learning spaces. These include a polytunnel, where pupils grow plants and vegetables and learn about food production and environmental responsibility. The school also has a number of themed outdoor huts, including a Reading Shed, which provides a quiet and inviting space for pupils to enjoy books, and a Welsh Shed, which supports the promotion of the Welsh language through games, activities and conversation.
In addition, pupils benefit from a bird-watching shed, which allows them to observe local wildlife and develop an understanding of nature and habitats. The school’s Woodland and Peace Garden offers a calm and reflective area where pupils can take time for quiet reflection, prayer and wellbeing activities, supporting the school’s strong Christian ethos.
Together, these facilities create a stimulating environment where pupils can learn, explore and develop both academically and personally. The outdoor spaces at Ysgol y Llan play an important role in enriching the curriculum and supporting pupils’ physical, emotional and spiritual development.
For busy working parents we are able to offer excellent wrap around care; this includes a paid breakfast club for school aged pupils, which opens at 7:45am until 8:30am. Our After School Club is available from 3:15pm until 5:15pm (Monday to Friday).
The school itself serves a close-knit village community and is known for its welcoming and family-orientated atmosphere. It is an English-medium Voluntary Aided Church in Wales primary school, where Christian values play an important role in school life. Strong links with the local parish church contribute to collective worship and community events, reinforcing the school’s ethos of faith, friendship and mutual respect.
Ysgol y Llan also has a strong commitment to the promotion of the Welsh language and Welsh culture. Pupils are encouraged to develop their Welsh language skills through daily use of Welsh across the school, supported by initiatives such as the Criw Cymraeg, whole-school Welsh activities and celebrations of Welsh heritage. This helps pupils develop confidence in using Welsh in both formal learning and informal situations around the school.
