A PWLLHELI school has been praised by inspectors for its “exceptional” success in settling foreign pupils in and helping them become fluent in Welsh.

Ysgol Glan y Môr has been asked by education watchdog Estyn to prepare a written case study describing the “excellent practice” that was seen during the inspection in January so its success can be replicated in other schools.

In the Estyn report, released this week, the 480-pupil 11-16 school on Ffordd Caerdydd was rated overall as “good” for both its current performance and its prospects for improvement.

The report, which praised many aspects of the school, said the “exceptional feature” was the integration of pupils who came from outside the area.

“Ysgol Glan y Môr is a close and happy community with a strong sense of respect and belonging,” inspectors found.

“This can be seen clearly in nearly all pupils’ attitudes and behaviour.

“Pupils and teachers respect each other and work together productively.

“It has an inclusive and supportive Welsh ethos.

“Pupils, parents and staff take pride in the way in which the school embraces Welshness.

“An exceptional feature of the school is the way in which pupils who are new to the area, including those from European countries, settle well at the school and make excellent progress in becoming fluent in Welsh.”

See this week’s Arfon/Dwyfor edition for the full story, in shops and online now