Five new schools on council’s agenda as part of programme
BRIDGEND council has revealed plans to build five new schools across the county borough.
Six schools have been built over the past five years as part of band A of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme.
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Calon y Cymoedd opened at the start of January in Bettws, joining Betws Primary School, Coety Primary School, Brynmenyn Primary School, Pencoed Primary School and the Bryncethin Campus.
Funded on an equal basis by Bridgend council and Welsh Government, the programme has also enabled the creation of two new additional learning spaces at Heronsbridge School.
The council has now revealed plans to deliver five more schools though band B of the programme over the next five to seven years.
New primary school provision will be built in the north east, south east and west of the county borough along with a 270-place special school.
The band B schools are estimated to cost £68.2m. The Welsh Government will allocate £44.784m towards the programme with the council funding the rest.
Councillor Charles Smith, cabinet member for education and regeneration, said: “Over a decade ago we recognised the need to modernise our schools and get a closer match between our aspirations for schools, the quality of their accommodation and the projected number of pupils.
“It was also important for us to reduce surplus places and achieve the best value for money by making schools more efficient and sustainable.
“We are extremely proud of the schools that have been delivered in recent years and look forward to creating even more first class learning environments that are fit for the 21st century...
“We’ll be announcing further developments soon.”