Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has appointed the main construction contractors for two of its future school investment projects, at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda in Cymer and Ysgol Llanhari.
The two significant developments are currently in design, to expand and improve the Welsh Medium education offer, and deliver first-class new facilities for pupils and staff at both schools.
Earlier this year, Cabinet Members approved the next tranche of major school investments by the Council, in a £414 million funding commitment to be delivered in partnership with Welsh Government – to complete at least nine new projects over the next few years. This means that, over the 20-year period from 2014 to 2033, the investment in new school facilities across Rhondda Cynon Taf will total almost £1 billion.
Further details about these two Welsh Medium projects, the progress made to date, and the appointment of the main contractors, is included below.
Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda, Cymer
A new 11-19 Welsh Medium school is planned for the current school site. Kier Construction is the appointed contractor and design work has started, working closely with the school. The new teaching facilities will cater for 900 pupils, in a modern, fully-accessible development that will also have suitable areas for outdoor learning, and new sports facilities for school and community use.
The Council intends to submit a planning application for the development in the New Year and, subject to approval, initial enabling work could start on site next summer – before the main construction phase follows from autumn 2026.
Ysgol Llanhari
A new 3-19 Welsh Medium school is planned for the current site. Early design work has started, with Willmott Dixon the appointed construction contractor. The school will have capacity for 910 places, including its sixth form. A 30-place nursery and 40-place Welsh Medium childcare facility will be included on site. The fully-accessible development will have outdoor learning spaces and new sports facilities – with many facilities available for wider community use.
The current target is to start the main construction phase early in 2027. This will be subject to planning consent and funding approvals being granted.
Both of the projects will be delivered jointly alongside Welsh Government, using a significant funding contribution from the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme – along with capital match-funding from the Council.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and the Welsh Language, said: “I’m delighted that these exciting future investments for Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda and Ysgol Llanhari are making important progress, with construction contractors now appointed. We continue to welcome Welsh Government’s support to invest in new education facilities, as attention now turns to the next tranche of nine projects as part of a £414 million commitment. This follows the delivery of new schools in Cilfynydd, Hawthorn, Rhydyfelin, Church Village, Llantwit Fardre, Pontyclun and Ferndale in time for the previous academic year (2024/25).
“Investing in Welsh Medium education continues to be a Council priority, to contribute to Welsh Government’s ‘Cymraeg 2050’ goal for a million Welsh speakers – as well as reaching our own ambitions and targets outlined in the seven outcomes of our Welsh in Education Strategic Plan. We opened a new Welsh Medium primary school for Rhydyfelin, YGG Awel Taf, in September 2024, along with a modern new site for YGG Llyn y Forwyn in Ferndale. These two successful projects followed improved and expanded facilities for YGG Aberdâr and Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun in the Cynon Valley three years ago.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the designs being further developed for the future projects in Cymer and Llanhari over the months ahead – with work progressing towards submitting formal planning applications in due course. I’d also like to welcome Kier Construction and Willmott Dixon on board for the respective projects – as we work closely with both contractors to deliver new education facilities that our pupils, staff and communities can be proud of.”
