Posted on: Monday 8 June 2026
Estyn inspectors have praised progress by staff and pupils at the council's Pupil Referral Unit.
The unit, which has three sites and caters for 11-to 16-year-olds unable to attend mainstream education, was described as being in need of significant improvement following an inspection in December 2024.
The inspectors recognised the number of pupils at the unit had more than doubled since its previous inspection, and there had been an increase in the number of pupils with significant emotional difficulties, alongside those who had been permanently excluded or at risk of permanent exclusion.
However, they said improvements were needed in attendance rates; the quality and consistency of teaching and learning; the accountability of leaders at all levels to drive improvement; and arrangements for pupils to have a voice and leadership opportunities.
Inspectors visited the unit again in April and described it as having made significant improvement.
In a report published on Friday, they said: "Since the core inspection, leaders at the PRU have worked effectively alongside the school improvement partner, local authority, and management committee.
"These partnerships have strengthened accountability and driven improvement across several areas of the PRU’s work including the quality of teaching, pupil attendance and behaviour."
Headteacher Sarah Pugh said: "I am absolutely delighted Estyn has officially removed Torfaen PRU from the statutory category of Significant Improvement. This formal decision is a direct reflection of the relentless dedication, passion, and resilience demonstrated by our entire PRU community throughout this rigorous monitoring process.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible staff, our management committee, the local authority, and our supportive parents and carers.
"Above all, I want to praise our brilliant pupils, whose progress and pride in the PRU shine through everything they do. Exiting this category is a fantastic milestone, but it is not our final destination; it is the solid foundation upon which we will continue to build a bright, safe, and ambitious future for Torfaen PRU."
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "I'd like to thank the team at Torfaen PRU, the education service and the pupils and their families for responding so openly and positively to Estyn's recommendations.
"It is vitally important that pupils who cannot attend mainstream school have a safe and nurturing alternative where they can flourish at their own pace and plan for their futures."
Read the report: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://estyn.gov.wales/app/uploads/2026/05/Monitoring-report-Alternative-Tuition-Ty-Glyn-PRU-2026.pdf