Minister takes a sneak peek at new city school

Welsh Government Minister for Education and Skills Huw Lewis got a sneak peek of the new multi-million pound Gowerton Primary today (Monday, December 7) ahead of its opening next month.

The minister joined local politicians to see the school’s new  21st Century learning environment made possible thanks to joint investment by the Welsh Government and Swansea Council.

His visit comes as the finishing touches are being put on the primary which will unite the pupils on one site for the first time in the school’s history in a facility designed to boost educational attainment for generations of children to come.

The £6.8 million new school is being funded 50/50 by the Welsh Government and Swansea Council.

Minister for Education and Skills, Huw Lewis said: “I am very much enjoyed visiting Gowerton Primary and seeing for myself the results of the excellent work that has gone into building this this state of the art new school.

“Through the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme we are investing  £1.4 billion to rebuild and refurbish over 150 schools and colleges across Wales.  It’s a huge investment, particularly at such financially challenging times, but we are committed to providing  our learners with the best possible educational opportunities.”

Cllr Jen Raynor, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Education, said: “As a Council we want to support teachers and pupils to be the best they can be. For some of our schools that means we need to improve the learning environment  to equip  staff and pupils with the tools and inspiration they need for success.

“Gowerton’s new school is just the kind of transformation we’re hoping to achieve with the benefit of Welsh Government funding in other communities in Swansea in future too to continue to improve attainment.

“Even before it is complete with furniture, staff, and of course pupils, the new Gowerton Primary’s design already promises to change education in Gowerton for the better for ever.

“I know the whole school community is very excited about moving in at the start of January to begin a new era of helping children become the best they can be.”

Gowerton Primary School was established in 2010 following the amalgamation of Tregywr Infant and Tregwyr Junior Schools.

The new school has been built on an underutilised section of The Elba playing fields, and the package also boasts enhanced community facilities and plenty of green space for sports and recreation for local people as well.

Building work on site is complete and it has been handed over to Swansea Council by Cwmbwrla-based contractors Interserve on schedule so that Swansea Council and the school can prepare it to take in pupils on January 7th, 2016.

There will be closure days at the existing school on December 11 and 18 as well as January 4 and 5 to enable the transfer to take place.

Susie Ralph, Gowerton Headteacher, said: “Our existing school buildings hold many memories and I know they have a special place in many people’s hearts locally.

“However we are very much looking forward to creating new happy memories in our much needed, much improved new school.

“The new buildings will enable us to achieve so much more in a modern learning environment so we can support our children to achieve their full potential.

“We will be working hard with the Council to get our new school ready to receive pupils in January.”