Welsh medium education boost

A one million pound project to boost Welsh medium education in the west of Swansea has come a step closer.

The Welsh Government, through its 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, has approved in principal the business case for match funding a classroom remodelling at Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr in the city. Swansea Council would provide the rest of the costs.

The scheme aims to give Gwyr a 21st Century learning environment complete with flexible learning spaces and modern facilities to boost pupil attainment.

It includes remodelling the school’s existing buildings in Talbot Street to provide an extra general classroom, a science laboratory, and a secure foyer reception space.

Gwyr would also extend into the old Gowerton Infant and Nursery buildings which would be refurbished to create seven additional general classrooms as well as greatly needed additional dining provision.

The buildings have become available because Gowerton Infant and Nursery pupils have been united with junior pupils in a new multi-million pound purpose built school at the Elba.

Cllr Jen Raynor, Swansea Council Cabinet member for Education, said: “We welcome the Welsh Government’s approval in principal for the scheme.

“The proposals would have an extremely positive impact on the Welsh medium education in Swansea by providing the school with improved resources for it to meet demand and flourish.

“This project would also maximise the education benefits we can get from both the Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr and former Gowerton Infant and Nursery buildings.

“It will reduce the risks and costs of having an empty school site while putting the buildings to excellent use to help boost pupil attainment.”

The scheme at Gwyr incorporating the former Gowerton Infant and Nursey buildings is expected to cost around £1.35million to be shared with Swansea Council and Welsh Government.

Subject to planning approval and final business case funding approval from Welsh Government, works could commence on site this spring. The project would be phased to minimise disruption to education and could be complete by the end of the year.

The scheme would be the latest in Swansea’s QEd programme to help boost pupil attainment by improving learning environments and facilities.

The programme has already seen building replacements and upgrades at Cefn Hengoed and Morriston secondary schools and there are proposals underway to refurbish and remodel Pentrehafod too.

Gowerton Primary’s new build was also part of the scheme and a £9.7 million new school project for Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Lôn Las  in Llansamlet is currently also underway. All projects have been supported by Welsh Government funding.