Exciting plans for a new school building for learners in south Powys have moved a significant step closer after planning permission was granted, the county council has said.
Powys County Council’s planning application for a new 120-place primary school to replace Sennybridge C.P. School’s current building was approved this week (Tuesday, February 10) by the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority.
Once built, the new building will provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that will enable the curriculum to be delivered in a continuous and coherent way from the Foundation Stage through to the end of Key Stage 2. Early years childcare provision will also be co-located on the same site as part of these plans.
This project is a key part of the council’s Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys, which aims to improve learner experiences and outcomes by investing in high-quality learning environments.
It will also contribute to the council’s vision for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys by creating an energy-efficient building that supports sustainability goals and enhances the educational achievement and well-being of learners.
Alongside progress on the new school building, Cabinet will later this month consider a proposal to carry out consultation on moving Sennybridge C.P. School along the Welsh language continuum so that it would eventually become a Welsh‑medium school.
If approved to progress, the proposal would see the change to the school’s language category being introduced on a phased basis from September 2027, increasing opportunities for pupils to become fully bilingual while ensuring current learners can continue with their existing English‑medium provision.
Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “The approval of planning permission is an incredibly exciting step forward for learners in Sennybridge. A brand‑new, modern school will give children the inspiring spaces they need to learn, play and thrive, and it will make a real difference to their day‑to‑day experience.
“At the same time, Cabinet will soon consider a proposal to carry out consultation on moving the school along the Welsh language continuum so it eventually becomes a Welsh‑medium school. If taken forward, the phased approach would increase opportunities for pupils to become fully bilingual in Welsh and English while maintaining continuity for learners already in the school.
“Together, these developments support our Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys and our ambition for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys – creating a sustainable, modern learning environment while strengthening bilingual education for future generations.”
