Burlais Primary official opening celebrations

Pupils and staff at the new Burlais Primary School cannot wait to tell Swansea’s Lord Mayor all about how great their new school is.

Cllr John Newbury, Lord Mayor of Swansea, will officially open the primary school on Friday, November 20.

The new £8.25m Burlais Primary School, part funded by the Welsh Government, has risen out of the lower section of Cwmbwrla Park to replace the school’s deteriorating Victorian-era buildings with a campus fit for 21st century Primary education.

It’s the first time the school has been together on one site in its history and, on top of great education facilities, there’s also upgraded community sports changing facilities too so generations of would-be football stars can hone their skills on its fields.

And the school is proving a hit with teachers too who are able to put the new facilities to work to help improve pupil attainment so they can be the very best they can be.

Cllr Jen Raynor, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Education is a top priority for the council and I am delighted the school is proving such a success with pupils and staff alike. I am sure it will inspire them to great things.

“Despite the challenges of austerity the council is committed to investing millions of pounds in building and upgrading schools across the city over the coming years.”

Mike Bowen, Deputy Headteacher, said: “Being altogether in the new school allows us to share our expertise and strengths. Having your friends and colleagues all together makes us stronger as a school and with this strength we can move mountains.”

Rebecca Lewis, Head of Key Stage 2, said: “The school feels really calm. The green colours and the carpet make a lovely environment to work in. The natural light in the building is wonderful.

“We love the new touch boards – it’s a fab learning tool and very clear for the children to see and use.

“Having external doors at different points around the school really helps with children exiting and entering the building calmly and quickly.”

And pupil Alanna Guy, aged 4, from Mrs Worley’s reception class summed up how the pupils were feeling in the new school by saying: “Mammy they have built me the perfect classroom.”

Josh Thomas, aged 10, from Mr Robert’s class, said: “I just love being able to see out of school windows for the first time.”

Mr Wotherspoon’s Year 4 class love the Learning Lounge claiming: “It’s cool!”

Since amalgamation in September, 2012, Burlais Primary has been operating from the former Manselton and Cwmbwrla Primary Schools sites. Both were built in Victorian times and neither had access to green space on their doorsteps.

The new school includes a nursery and a Special Teaching Facility for children with speech and language needs and immediate access to Cwmbwrla Park.

The project is part-funded by £4.125 million from the Welsh Government , with Swansea Council providing the rest.