Sir Terry Matthews officially opens Morriston Comprehensive rebuild

CELTIC Manor owner and Chair of Swansea Bay City Region, Sir Terry Matthews, has officially opened Morriston Comprehensive School following a £22 million rebuild of the facility.

The former Swansea University engineering student, whose international business empire is built on technology and innovation, visited the state-of-the art classrooms and saw how they are inspiring pupils to achieve their full potential.

Pupils also performed a new song for their visitor and invited guests, including Swansea’s Lord Mayor, Leader of the Council Rob Stewart and invited politicians. The song was written and recorded using some of the facilities, which the school now boasts.

Headteacher Martin Franklin said: “We are delighted that Sir Terry Matthews took time to officially open our school.

“The pupils were excited to be part of the event and we hope Sir Terry will inspire them to make the most of their future careers.”

Jen Raynor, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Education, was also in attendance.

She said: “The new facilities at Morriston Comprehensive School are a brilliant addition to the local learning environment that will make a huge difference to pupils now and for generations to come.

“The new school looks great and has 21st century facilities and technical capabilities including WiFi networks to fully equip students to interact, learn and work.

“Pupils have already been telling me how motivational their school now is and how much better equipped they are to develop their skills for the future.”

The Morriston Comprehensive School official opening is an important milestone in the Swansea Council Quality in Education (QEd) 2020 programme, aimed at boosting education by having schools fit for 21st Century learning.

The phased replacement of 1,100-pupil school’s once out-dated and difficult to maintain buildings was funded by a £15.3m grant from the Welsh Government, with the rest coming from Swansea Council. Pupils moved into the final phase in January 2015.

Other phases have included a new block containing flexible space and new learning facilities and facilities for hairdressing, construction, catering, drama and music.

The school is part of a programme by the Council called QEd 2020 which is seeing millions of pounds invested in school buildings and facilities in order to boost education and pupil outcomes.

Other projects currently underway include new schools for Burlais Primary in Cwmbwrla and Gowerton Primary at the Elba. Future proposals being developed include new schools for Lôn Las and Gorseinon primary and the upgrade of Pentre’r Graig.