Programme will see more of our schools transformed

MORE schools in Bridgend look set for development under the local council’s school modernisation programme in the next few years, with the latest changes set to take place at Mynydd Cynffig Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr.

Councillors say the development of both schools will bring many added benefits to the county borough as they would offer more learning provisions and spaces as well as having all weather sport pitches which could be used by the community.

Under proposals for the expansion and modernisation of Mynydd Cynffig Primary School, the current split-site arrangement would end and the infant department would relocate to a new-build primary school on the existing Mynydd Cynffig Primary School junior site at Kenfig Hill.

The move would take effect from September 2025, with the council believing that the proposals would have a positive impact on education provision as well as offering more accommodation that meets the needs of both staff and learners.

The new school would be built on the existing junior school site and the adjacent Bridgend County Borough Council owned sites, currently occupied by the Air Training Corps and Pwllygath Allotments Association.

A replacement site for the allotments has been identified which will be next to the proposed new school site.

Bridgend council’s cabinet has also heard the outcome of a consultation about the proposed relocation of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr in recent weeks, giving its approval to issue a statutory notice. The proposal aims to relocate the school to a new building on land off Ffordd Cadfan, which is just 0.2 miles from the existing school site in Brackla.

The new school would create additional opportunities for more learners to access Welsh-medium education, increasing the capacity of 378 to 525 learners aged between four and 11. There would also be 90 full-time-equivalent places for nursery aged pupils and an eight-place observation and assessment class.

Cllr Jon-Paul Blundell, cabinet member for education, said: “We are excited about Mynydd Cynffig Primary School being located on one site for the first time in the school’s history. There are several educational benefits which will materialise from all pupils and school staff being on one site.

“It’s also fantastic news that the proposed relocation of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr would increase the capacity of pupils by an extra 150. This shows the council’s commitment to the Welsh language as well as making sure pupils have access to the best facilities possible.”