Lessons begin for pupils at new schools in Welshpool
Pupils started lessons at two new schools in Welshpool today, although many were walking through the same school gates.
Two primary schools will be built in the town over the coming months, one English-medium and one Welsh-medium to replace the four - three infant and one junior - that have served the town and outlying areas.
The £13 million project means infant and junior pupils are now taught together and a new all Welsh medium school has been created.
Until the buildings are constructed, the newly-named Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng and Welshpool Church in Wales School are running in the existing buildings.
All those learning in Welsh were from today being taught at the current Ardwyn site while those being taught in English are in the Gungrog, Oldford and Ysgol Maesydre buildings.
Over the next two years the two new complexes will be constructed, the Welsh medium school, with 150 places on the Maesydre site, and English medium, with 360 places, on land at Welshpool High School.
Both will also have accommodation for early years and community use.
It is expected that the schools will be ready in spring/summer 2019.
Councillor Myfanwy Alexander, Powys cabinet member for education, said: “This is an historic moment for education in Welshpool and the beginning of an exciting £13 million project.
“Having infant and junior schools on different sites has been disruptive for our young learners and difficult for parents who, if they have more than one child, have had to dash from one school to another at the beginning and end of the day.
“Schools services and those working on the project are committed to working with pupils, parents, teachers, governing bodies and the wider community to deliver 21st century education facilities for the town. They know there is a great deal to do but are committed to embracing change and work together to deliver high quality education for young learners of the future.”
The head of the Welsh medium school Bethan Bleddyn said the children had been very excited on the first day.
“We have a new logo and a new uniform and there has been much excitement,” she said.
There are already 76 pupils enrolled in Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng and 30 on the register of the pre-school.
“Having Welsh all around them all day means that they can immerse themselves in the Welsh language and culture.”
Mrs Bleddyn said there had been interest in Welsh lessons for parents and it was hoped these could be organised in the near future.
