Schools across the Caerphilly county borough look set to benefit from £110million of investment thanks to the next phase of a hugely successful funding programme aimed at improving education across Wales.
The next stage of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Education and Schools programme will be considered by Caerphilly Council’s Education Scrutiny Committee later this week (Thursday 19th April) and there are a wide range of exciting and ambitious projects under consideration.
‘Band A’ of the 21st Century Schools programme has already been delivered in Caerphilly county borough resulting in over £56million in investment. The key projects which formed part of ‘Band A’ include the new £25.5m Islwyn High School in Oakdale, the £8m Idris Davies 3-18 School in Rhymney and the £20m Y Gwyndy Welsh school campus in Caerphilly along with a number of other key projects.
An exciting ‘Band B’ programme of proposals has now been developed and will be considered by councillors at the committee meeting next week. The projects include new school builds, amalgamations, school refurbishments and expansions at sites across the whole county borough.
Cllr Philippa Marsden, Cabinet Member for Education and Achievement said,
“Improving educational facilities and attainment levels are key priorities for Caerphilly Council and we are delighted with the success of the Band A programme, which has delivered significant benefits across the county borough.
“The projects being considered as part of Band B will bring similar benefits and we are really excited about moving these ambitious proposals forward. It is, however, important to stress at this stage these are only proposals and consultation with all key stakeholders will be a critical part of the process as the plans develop over the next 7 years.”
The 21st Century Schools Programme is a collaboration between Welsh Government and local councils. It is a significant, long-term and strategic capital investment programme with the aim of creating a generation of 21st Century Schools in Wales.
