Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and the Welsh Language attended Ysgol Llyn y Forwyn on Thursday, 15 May, alongside Welsh Governments Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle. The Welsh Medium primary school in Ferndale has received a brand-new building on a new site, as part of a multi-million-pound investment for the school and the community.
The 21st Century facility, including a 30-place Cylch Meithrin, has been delivered at the former ‘Chubb’ Factory site in Ferndale. The project has delivered fantastic modern facilities for staff, pupils and the community to enjoy, that could not be delivered at the former school site – particularly in relation to outdoor learning and play opportunities. Pupils and staff moved into the new school site in January 2025 and are now settled and ready to show guests around the new building.
The development has expanded the local Welsh Medium primary offer for Rhondda Fach, and includes modern, flexible and accessible facilities including a Multi-Use Games Area, a grass sports pitch, external play areas, a staff car park, and a drop-off/pick-up car park. A dedicated site access is also provided for pupils and families who are accessing the school by walking or cycling – to encourage Active Travel. The new building itself aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon in operation.
The investment has been jointly delivered with Welsh Government, and the Council has benefitted from a 65% contribution from the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme to construct the school.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and the Welsh Language, said: “It’s brilliant to see the pupils and staff at Ysgol Llyn y Forwyn excited to formally open these fantastic new learning facilities.
“Like all of our new school developments, we’ve aimed to achieve Net Zero carbon in operation as part of our Climate Change goals and commitments.
“The project has been jointly delivered by the Council and Welsh Government as part of the 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 a privilege to be a part of the formal opening at Llyn y Forwyn and see the vibrant new learning facilities being utilised.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: “I am incredibly proud of how this £3.7bn investment is transforming education in every part of Wales. These modern, sustainable buildings aren't just raising standards and reducing the attainment gap - they're creating an education infrastructure that's truly world-class and a source of national pride.
“Schools and colleges sit at the heart of our communities. We are ambitious in Wales in how we approach new builds and refurbishments, enabling their design to make a positive contribution to learners and staff, local communities and to the natural environment.”
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Posted on 20/05/2025