The newly-formed 3-16 school for the community in Hawthorn welcomed learners for the first time in September 2024. The modern development was one of four major school projects delivered in the 2024/25 academic year, within a £79.9m investment in Education across Greater Pontypridd.
The development was built on the former Hawthorn High School site, and opened its doors to all pupils from Hawthorn High and Hawthorn Primary – as well as the English Medium stream of Heol y Celyn Primary. The new 3-16 through school has a capacity of 1,260 learners (including nursery pupils).
Three brand new schools ready to open across Greater Pontypridd (September 2024)
The development has provided a brand new 28-classroom teaching block for Key Stages 2-4, which is securely linked to the existing primary building. The new block has been designed to achieve Net Zero carbon in operation, and complements the external facilities that were delivered in 2023 during an initial phase of work. This included a new staff car park, a coach car park and a pupil drop-off area.
Some retained facilities have been refurbished – including two science rooms in the lower school, while improvements to external areas and outdoor learning canopies were installed for the primary school. Toilets have been refurbished across the lower school and the lighting and heating have been upgraded.
Next phase of work during 2024/25
Demolition of the old high school block will now begin, to enable extensive landscaping work for the wider development. This will be completed during spring 2025. A new childcare facility offering Flying Start and Childcare Offer places will also be created using Welsh Government funding. This will open in early 2025.
Major £1m Welsh Government funding, via Community Focused Schools, has also been secured to refurbish an on-site youth centre, to be completed in 2025.
Phase One completion images – September 2024