Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language attended Ysgol Bro Taf in Cilfynydd on Thursday, March 20, to formally open the school and meet the pupils and staff that are thriving in their new learning environment.
The brand new 3-16 school in Cilfynydd was delivered in time for the 2024/25 academic year and opening its doors to pupils and staff for the first time in September 2024. It was delivered as part of a £79.9m investment in Education facilities, delivered jointly by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Welsh Government, as one of four major projects across Greater Pontypridd.
Built on the existing Pontypridd High School site, Ysgol Bro Taf has welcomed the existing high school pupils, as well as learners who would have previously attended Cilfynydd Primary School. The new 3-16 through school has a capacity of 1,200 learners including nursery pupils.
The development has provided a brand-new area for primary age pupils, which includes modern classroom facilities that achieve Net Zero carbon in operation.
As part of the extensive refurbishment and remodelling of internal spaces, secondary learners have also benefitted from much-improved areas – including new science, design technology, food tech, art, drama, music and ICT rooms, plus newteaching rooms, supporting areas, and a library.
Externally, works have included remodelling the car park, installing new EV charging points, providing a 12-space bus bay, and establishing a new drop-off area. The school also received a new ‘all-weather’ 3G sports pitch and a new Multi Use Games Area. The improved sporting facilities will be available for school and community use.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said: “It’s fantastic to be a part of Ysgol Bro Taf formally opening these fantastic new learning facilities.
“Like all of our new school developments, we’ve aimed to achieve Net Zero carbon in operation at Ysgol Bro Taf as part of our Climate Change goals and commitments. The new facilities look brilliant, they are well deserved and an accumulation of a lot of hard work.
“The project has been jointly delivered by the Council and Welsh Government as part of a major £79.9m sustainable Communities for Learning Programme – investing in our schools and establishing local hubs for the future. The pupils and staff have settled in well and it’s been a privilege to be a part of the formal opening.”
Posted on 24/03/2025