Since 2014, every local authority in Wales has benefitted from a
huge investment in new school and college buildings, with £3.6bn
invested in over 330 projects.
The sustainable communities
for learning programme provides modern, fit for purpose
buildings, designed to educate the digital generation.
On a visit to Ysgol Llyn y Forwyn, the Cabinet Secretary for
Education, , met learners and staff at
their brand-new school, based at the former Chubb Factory site in
Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The new primary school, which opened earlier this year, benefits
from a 30-place Cylch Meithrin nursery, a multi-use games area, a
grass sports pitch, car parks and dedicated areas for those
accessing the school on foot or cycle.
Reevah aged 10, a year 6 pupil at the school said:
“Because there's so much room and space it's so much better to
learn here. The yard has really benefited us, we can play a lot
more games.
“People seem a lot happier and everyone is definitely more
positive about learning”
Cabinet Secretary, , said:
“I am incredibly proud of how this £3.6bn investment is
transforming education in every part of Wales. These modern,
sustainable buildings aren't just raising standards and reducing
the attainment gap - they're creating an education infrastructure
that's truly world-class and a source of national pride.
“Schools and colleges sit at the heart of our communities. We are
ambitious in Wales in how we approach new builds and
refurbishments, enabling their design to make a positive
contribution to learners and staff, local communities and to the
natural environment.”
This investment in schools and colleges also benefits the wider
community by providing jobs and apprenticeships and boosting the
Welsh economy, particularly in the construction sector.
Sustainability has been a focus since the programme began in
2014. In 2022, it led the way by mandating net zero carbon in
operation for all major projects.
Funding continues over the next nine years with 316 new building
projects in development, representing a total investment of
£5.4bn (including delivery partner contributions).
Key achievements:
- In 2022 South Point Primary school near Barry was the first
Net Zero Carbon school to open in Wales
- Pen y Dre High School in Merthyr was the first Net Zero
Carbon school to supply excess electricity to a nearby hospital
(Prince Charles)
- The Sustainable Schools Challenge, pushing boundaries to
tackle the climate emergency, involved pupils in the design of
their new school buildings. The winning schools were Ysgol
Bontnewydd and Community Centre in Gwynedd, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg
Rhosafan in Port Talbot and Glyn-Coch community school in
Rhondda Cynon Taf
- £60m has been invested in 800 projects to support access to
education for learners with Additional Learning Needs, with a
further £750m identified for future development
- £58m has delivered 128 projects Community Focused Schools
over the last three years, with a further £20m planned for
2025/26
- £67m invested to date in 49 Welsh-medium school projects,
supporting the goal of reaching 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050
