Leaders at Cefn Hengoed Community School have successfully created a strong culture of consistently high expectations which is underpinned by a mutually supportive and caring ethos. This, along with effective teaching and learning experiences, ensures that many pupils make strong progress in their learning. The sense of belonging and care that permeates the school is palpable. Most pupils feel safe when at school and thrive in a community where they feel accepted and are nurtured to achieve and be their very best. Staff throughout the school create an extremely positive learning environment where nearly all pupils display exemplary behaviour and high levels of respect for one another, staff and visitors. Most pupils have positive attitudes to learning and are keen to take part in classroom discussions and tasks that improve their learning. In many lessons, effective and engaging teaching ensures that pupils make strong progress in developing their knowledge, understanding and skills. In these lessons, teachers capture pupils’ interest successfully, build well on their previous learning and encourage them to have high aspirations for their future. The provision to support the progressive development of pupils’ skills is a notable strength of the school. It is well planned and co-ordinated to ensure that pupils have helpful opportunities to consolidate and improve their literacy, numeracy, Welsh, digital and thinking skills. In addition, a broad and balanced curriculum stimulates pupils’ interest and ensures that they have access to a wide range of learning experiences, including extra-curricular activities that support their progress and wellbeing effectively. The school has taken a sensible and measured approach to developing their Curriculum for Wales. Through helpful trialling and regular evaluation, leaders have ensured that pupils in Years 7 and 8 have access to an effective curriculum that builds well on their learning. Leaders and staff create an effective safeguarding culture where most pupils feel safe and free from bullying. Staff tackle any instances of poor behaviour or bullying sensitively and creatively to support pupils to improve their future behaviour. This, along with the school’s work to celebrate diversity, has created an inclusive culture where pupils feel valued as part of the school community. Pupils with additional learning needs, including those who attend the specialist teaching facility (STF), benefit from effective support. They make good progress in relation to their targets and are integrated fully into the school community. Leaders have demonstrated a strong ability to bring about change and improvement in many areas. This includes securing effective teaching and in addressing the impact of poverty on pupils’ progress and well-being. Although a few areas require further improvement, leaders at all levels have brought about substantial improvements in pupils’ attendance since the pandemic and have developed their school as a centre of the community they serve. This is a particularly effective aspect of the school’s work. Leaders at all levels regularly evaluate and improve aspects of their work, and senior leaders have enabled middle leaders to become the key drivers of improvement.