BLAENAU Gwent Council has continued to progress with its planning for several exciting school improvement projects despite the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Working in partnership with the Welsh Government as part of the flagship 21st Century Schools Programme, the Council continues to work on modernising its school estate through a range of new developments and significant improvement works to existing school buildings. All works are identified on a priority and suitability/condition assessment of the school estate.

The Council has already delivered new primary school builds in Abertillery and Six Bells (both a part of Abertillery Learning Community); the extensive re-modelling of Ystruth Primary School; re-modelling works to Tredegar Comprehensive School.

Now the Council is moving forward with the next stage of its  programme, which runs until 2025, and it will see an school building investment of approximately £26m including a new Welsh medium primary school.

Planned works include:

A new Welsh Medium Primary School with associated childcare in Tredegar;
A new Primary School with associated childcare in Glyncoed, Ebbw Vale;
The re-modelling of Secondary Schools in Tredegar; Brynmawr and Abertillery; and
The re-modelling of Primary Schools Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Helyg; Rhos-y-Fedwen; Cwm and Beaufort

The objectives planned programme is to address key priorities including:

Raising standards, particularly at Key Stage 4;
Improving suitability and condition of the school estate;
Programme deliverability-match-funding and affordability;
Sustainability and reducing revenue costs;
Increasing Welsh medium learning opportunities;
Meet the needs of vulnerable learners; and
Have the right schools in the right places

Councillor Joanne Collins, Executive Member for Education says:

“Providing the best educational standards and teaching and learning opportunities, as well as looking after the well-being of our children and young people, continue to be top priorities for us.

“A part of this is making sure that learners can access the very best modern facilities. We have a proven track record of working closely with our partners in Welsh Government to deliver on projects that allow our pupils to have access to modern, engaging learning environments in which to thrive and reach their full potential.”