Bold plans to transform education in mid Powys have taken a major step forward this week, after Cabinet approved proposals that pave the way for a brand-new Welsh medium all age school and significant investment in two school buildings.
Powys County Council’s transformation proposals for Ysgol Calon Cymru and Builth Wells C.P. School as part of its Transforming Education programme were approved by Cabinet on Tuesday, February 24.
These ambitious plans will help the council reach its goals for Welsh-medium education and support its vision for transforming education. Thanks to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, these schools will see major upgrades.
At Builth Wells, the campus will be remodelled to welcome younger learners with new, high-quality spaces for early years and primary pupils – forming part of a new all age Welsh medium school.
Meanwhile, the Llandrindod campus of Ysgol Calon Cymru is set for a dramatic transformation, with new buildings that will offer modern, vibrant and inspiring learning environments for future generations.
The council has recently prepared a Strategic Outline Case (SOC), the first of three business cases needed to secure capital funding through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. This is currently being considered by Welsh Government.
The proposals, which will be delivered in two phases, are:
Phase one (September 2027)
New Welsh medium school
A new Welsh medium all age school (4-18) would be established on the current Builth campus of Ysgol Calon Cymru. This would mean:
- All Welsh medium pupils from Builth Wells C.P. School would transfer to the new Welsh medium all age school in September 2027 and Builth Wells C.P. School would no longer have a Welsh stream.
- Welsh medium provision for Years 7, 8 and 9 would also be available at the new school with pupils transferring from Ysgol Calon Cymru.
- Initially, this new school would share the Builth campus with Ysgol Calon Cymru, with part of the building remodelled to include suitable and safe accommodation for primary aged pupils. Pupils would continue to be able to join Ysgol Calon Cymru for English medium provision on both campuses.
- This would be a temporary arrangement until works to improve and extend the Llandrindod Wells campus are completed.
Ysgol Calon Cymru
- From September 2027, Ysgol Calon Cymru would continue to have a Welsh medium stream for Years 10 onwards, but this would be phased out by September 2029.
- Secondary aged English medium pupils would continue to access provision at the Builth Wells campus until new facilities are available in Llandrindod Wells.
Phase two (September 2029 at the earliest):
- Following capital investment at the Llandrindod Wells campus, Ysgol Calon Cymru would close its Builth Wells campus and operate solely from Llandrindod. Free home to school transport would be provided for all eligible learners.
- The new Welsh medium all age school would then take over the entire Builth Wells campus.
Cllr James Gibson Watt, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “Our decision marks a hugely significant moment for Welsh medium education in mid Powys. Establishing the county’s first Welsh medium all age school in this part of Powys is a bold and positive step that will transform opportunities for children and young people who wish to learn through the medium of Welsh.
“We know that the current two site model at Ysgol Calon Cymru presents ongoing challenges, and this decision gives us a clear, strategic way forward. English medium learners will benefit from modern, improved facilities and a single-site model that will strengthen the curriculum and remove duplication.
“These proposals allow us to invest significantly in both campuses so that all learners – whatever their language choice – can access high quality, 21st century learning environments where they can thrive and reach their full potential.
“Cabinet has carefully considered all the views shared during the statutory notice period, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute.”
