Five new primary schools in Powys receive funding pledge

The creation of five new primary schools in the Gwernyfed catchment area of Powys is to go ahead following a confirmation of funding from the Welsh government.

A total of £11.8 million has been awarded to Powys County Council to begin work on the development of these schools, representing a significant chunk of the total project cost of £23.8 million.

The first project will involve the creation of a new 210-place facility to replace the existing 161-student premises of Hay-on-Wye Community Primary School, addressing growing pupil numbers resulting from several new future housing developments proposed for Hay-on-Wye.

Clyro Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, meanwhile, will be able to expand its number of places from 85 to 120 thanks to a new building, which will include facilities for early years provision.

Two existing schools - Talgarth Community Primary School and Bronllys Community Primary School - will be replaced by a combined Bronllys/Talgarth Community Primary School, which will receive a 150-place facility on a greenfield site with early years, youth and community facilities.

Llangors Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School will also be replaced with a new 150-place building, as will Archdeacon Griffiths Church in Wales Voluntary Aided School, Llyswen.

Money will be made available for the construction of the new-build schools via the national 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, a £1.4 billion unique collaboration between the Welsh government and local authorities.

Minister for lifelong learning Alun Davies said: "Securing capital investment in these difficult economic times is essential not only for better education outcomes, but for the continued support of our construction industry and the growth of our economy.

"This is great news for local people and for the future of education in the area."