Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet has received a progress update from officers on the next tranche of major investment projects in local schools, that the Council is developing. Nine exciting projects are in varying stages and are earmarked for delivery over the next few years – with continued support from Welsh Government via the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
The Council completed several major development projects at local schools in the 2024/25 academic year, delivered within Band B of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme – which pupils and staff are now enjoying.
Brand new schools were established in Cilfynydd, Hawthorn and Rhydyfelin, as part of a wider £79.9 million investment across Greater Pontypridd. In addition, under the Mutual Investment Model, new school buildings were built at Pontyclun Primary, Penygawsi Primary and Llanilltud Faerdref Primary – alongside a first-class new site for Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn.
In March 2025, officers brought forward a Cabinet report that looked forward to the period ahead – and Members endorsed a proposed next tranche of nine school investments, delivered as part of a £414 million funding commitment over nine years. A further Cabinet report on Monday, September 22, has provided the latest update on these projects, as summarised below:
- New 3-19 ALN school in Clydach Vale – construction of the school is making important progress on the former Pavilions site. The Council’s contractor Morgan Sindall has recently installed the steel frame of the main building, which is on course to be opened during autumn 2026.
- New primary school for Glyn-coch – construction of this sustainable school and community hub is progressing on the current Craig yr Hesg Primary site. Council contractor Willmott Dixon continues to make good progress towards opening the new school during the late autumn 2026.
- Ysgol Cwm Rhondda – a new 11-19 Welsh Medium school is planned for the current site. Kier Construction is the appointed contractor and design work is underway, working closely with the school. The project’s Strategic Outline Case is approved and an Outline Business Case is being drafted. Construction work is planned to start in summer 2026.
- Ysgol Llanhari – a new 3-19 Welsh Medium school is planned for the current site, with the tender process to appoint a contractor underway. Initial discussions have taken place with the school to inform early design concepts, and a Strategic Outline Case is currently being drafted. Construction work is planned to start on site during early 2027.
- Penrhys Primary School – a new primary school is planned for the current site, with the tender process to appoint a contractor underway. Discussions have taken place with the school over early design concepts, and a Strategic Outline Case is submitted to Welsh Government. Work is planned to start on site in late 2026.
- St John Baptist CIW High School, Aberdare – a new teaching block is planned for the school. Knox and Wells is appointed as the project contractor, and a Business Justification Case will be submitted shortly. Work is planned to start in early 2026, for completion later next year.
- Buarth y Capel, Ynysybwl –a new teaching block is planned for the school, which is a satellite site for Ysgol Ty Coch in Tonteg. Knox and Wells have been appointed as the project contractor, and a Business Justification Case will be submitted shortly. Construction work is planned to start during early 2026, for completion later next year.
- New Welsh Medium School, Llanilid – this brand new school will be established to facilitate the major housing development which is being built at Llanilid. The housing developer Persimmon is in the process of clearing the site, so the construction phase of the project can begin.
- Abernant Primary School – an extension to the current school is being planned to cater for the expected growth in pupil numbers, arising from the large housing development at the former hospital site. An options appraisal for the project will get underway before the end of 2025.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said: “The Council has delivered numerous exciting school investment projects over the past 18 months or so, in partnership with Welsh Government – which has included establishing three schools in Greater Pontypridd, plus modern buildings for communities within Pontyclun, Llantrisant, Church Village and Ferndale. Now, we’re already thinking ahead to the next tranche of projects for the few years ahead.
“In March 2025, Cabinet Members endorsed this planned investment – which includes nine new projects, totalling £414 million, over nine years. Two of these are already making excellent progress, with contractors appointed and construction work developing on site – namely the new ALN school in Clydach Vale, and the new ultra-sustainable school and community hub for Glyn-coch.
“Monday’s update showed that 2026 will be a very exciting year, not only with the delivery of the two ongoing projects, but also the planned completion of new teaching blocks at Buarth y Capel and St John’s High School, along with construction starting on new schools for Penrhys Primary and Ysgol Cwm Rhondda. Work at Ysgol Llanhari will follow in early 2027, while planned investments for communities in Abernant and Llanilid are being developed.
“I’m delighted we’re able to continue to invest heavily in education facilities for our young people, bringing first-class learning environments for more of our communities – and we continue to welcome significant support from Welsh Government to make this possible. Officers will keep Cabinet up-to-date as each of the new projects progress over the months ahead, while schools and communities will also be kept fully-informed as each one develops.”
