The Council has provided a progress update on its exciting Ysgol Cambrian development in Clydach Vale, which will become the County Borough’s fifth Additional Learning Needs School when it opens in the 2026/27 autumn term.
The first-class, modern development has been split into two elements for construction purposes. The first is entering its finishing phases with external works nearing completion and the first classrooms being fitted out – while the second is progressing with brickwork, roofing and the installation of services.
This major investment will provide English Medium ALN facilities for 176 pupils aged 3-19. The development responds to the increasing number of ALN learners in Rhondda Cynon Taf, along with the growing complexity of pupils’ needs, and capacity pressures at the four existing ALN schools. The modern building will have 23 classrooms along with a hydrotherapy pool, a wellbeing centre, and other supporting spaces. Find out more on our website.
Contractor Morgan Sindall Construction made steady progress on site over the winter despite the challenging weather. The latest completion timescale is that the development will be ready to welcome pupils and staff for the first time after the October half term, during the new 2026/27 academic year.
The first element of works (‘Zone One’) is moving towards its final stages externally, with the scaffolding starting to be removed and the windows being sealed. Work is underway on the site’s external areas, along with the green roof. Inside, the ceilings and floors are mostly complete, with classrooms now being fitted out – alongside the toilets, electrics, and the final decorations.
The second element (‘Zone Two’) is progressing steadily with brickwork, and scaffolding is being installed. The roof is largely complete while major services like heating and pipework are progressing. Internally, the walls are complete, with key works relating to the electrics and specialist equipment underway.
There’s also lots more going on linked to the wider development. The new school’s Leadership Team recently visited site, while its Temporary Governing Body will visit in June. Pupils from Ysgol Hen Felin have recently taken part in design and construction-based challenges, displaying fantastic teamwork and communication skills – while staff from Morgan Sindall, the wider project team and the supply chain participated in a litter pick at the nearby Clydach Vale Countryside Park.
These initiatives are related to Morgan Sindall’s social value projects locally, focusing on lasting community benefits. They include a brand new ‘forest school’ at the country park to give young people an exciting new space for outdoor learning, while Ysgol Hen Felin has also received a new immersive room to provide exciting learning experiences. The contractor is also working with Cambrian Village Trust on several community initiatives supporting health, wellbeing and inclusion, while young people from the Penrhys Youth Group are receiving employability support through training, skills development and employment pathways, supported by Bluewater Recruitment and Trivallis.
The Council has secured a 75% funding contribution from Welsh Government via its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme to construct Ysgol Cambrian, with the remaining funding being provided by the Local Authority.
Councillor Sharon Rees, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said: “These are very exciting times with the Ysgol Cambrian development in Clydach Vale really taking shape. It’s fantastic to see the first classrooms being fitted out in one part of the building, showing how the finished school will look. The Council has invested in this modern new building for Additional Learning Needs pupils as we respond to growing learner numbers and more complex needs across our four existing ALN schools – providing a first-class learning environment in the process.
“This important investment with Welsh Government is part of a £414 million commitment to deliver at least nine major school investments across Rhondda Cynon Taf over the years ahead. Ysgol Cambrian is among the first of those to be delivered, alongside Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Glyn-coch, during the 2026/27 academic year. The latest arrangements will see Ysgol Cambrian open after the October half term, with temporary arrangements in place from September 2026 until the fantastic new building is ready to open its doors.
“The Clydach Vale project is just one of the measures we’ve taken to increase ALN capacity across the County Borough, and improve our existing provision. Improvements have taken place at all four of our existing ALN schools, while an Early Years satellite base was created at the old Tonyrefail Community Centre building. In addition, Maesgwyn Special School received a £1.5 million extension in time for the current academic year, complete with modern spaces – while a major, six classroom extension is being developed for Buarth y Capel in Ynysybwl, to significantly improve upon the site’s current facilities.
“I’d like to thank our contractor Morgan Sindall for their dedication in delivering Ysgol Cambrian, and I’m looking forward to seeing the site further transform – making the most of the better weather in spring and summer. I’m also grateful for the social impact work being delivered in the local community, with projects that range from providing new learning spaces to delivering engaging sessions with young people, and creating employment opportunities locally.”
Parents and carers of children with ALN in Rhondda Cynon Taf, who live in the catchment area and are eligible for a place in the new 3-19 ALN school in Clydach Vale, can now contact us to find out more. Please note that placement in an ALN school requires approval through the local authority Additional Learning Needs panel. Full details on our website.
Find out more about the Council’s significant investment in our young people, by providing brand new school facilities in communities right across County Borough, through the #TransformingRCT homepage on our website.
Posted on 21/05/2026