Kier has started work on two new-build school projects worth £29m, marking a significant investment in modern sustainable learning environments across south Wales.
Ysgol Iolo Morganwg in Cowbridge and Sennybridge Community Primary School will both benefit from new teaching spaces, replacing aging buildings with modern, energy-efficient spaces designed to support future generations of learners.
Each project will also see an expansion in provision of Welsh-medium education. At Ysgol Iolo Morganwg - already a Welsh-medium school - pupil numbers will double from 210 to 420. In Sennybridge, proposals are currently being progressed by Powys County Council for the school to transition to Welsh-medium provision.
Alongside additional pupil places, the Ysgol Iolo Morganwg project - being delivered for the Vale of Glamorgan Council - will also include an adult education and Welsh language immersion centre for primary school aged pupils.
The projects are jointly funded by the Welsh Government and the local authorities as part of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, a long-term strategic investment to enhance educational facilities and improve learner experiences and outcomes across Wales.
Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said:
Starting work on Ysgol Iolo Morganwg and Sennybridge Community Primary School is an important milestone in delivering much-needed, modern learning environments for communities across south Wales. Working in partnership with Vale of Glamorgan Council, Powys County Council and Welsh Government, we’re proud to be supporting the delivery of high-quality, energy-efficient schools that will enhance pupil experiences and outcomes. Both projects will also play a key role in expanding access to Welsh-medium education, helping to meet growing demand and create opportunities for future generations.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language at the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said:
This turf-cutting ceremony marks an exciting moment for the school, its pupils, staff and the wider community as we move into the next phase of this important development. It was a privilege to join our partners at Kier Construction as well as colleagues from Ysgol Iolo Morganwg to celebrate this next milestone. The new school site in Cowbridge represents a significant investment in the future of education and the Welsh language in the Vale, helping to ensure that future generations can learn and thrive in modern, sustainable facilities.
Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Cabinet Member for Learning Powys, said:
Delivering modern, high‑quality learning environments like this is a central part of our strategy for Transforming Education in Powys. The new building for Sennybridge C.P. School will provide inspiring spaces that support teaching, learning and pupil wellbeing, while also meeting our commitment to sustainability through energy‑efficient, future‑focused design. This investment reflects our wider ambition for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys – creating a school that supports educational excellence, promotes equality of opportunity and reduces environmental impact for generations to come.
Learn more about how Kier is delivering projects and outcomes in this sector: