This week, Cardiff’s newest secondary school opened its doors to pupils and staff for the very first time, as Fitzalan High School commences the start of the new term in its brand-new home.
The opening of the impressive new school in Leckwith, marks the completion of the £64m project which has been delivered by Kier Construction after it was first given planning approval in November 2020.
Jointly funded by Cardiff Council and Welsh Government, it is Cardiff’s latest scheme to be delivered under the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme and includes a three-storey high school, community swimming pool and provision of four Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA’s). There are two 3G pitches available for rugby, football and hockey and the site also accommodates hard and soft play areas as well as a staff and visitor car park.
Accommodating 1850 pupils, construction first began in March 2021 and has closely involved ambassadors from the school who have regularly visited the site throughout its development, contributing their thoughts on the build and reporting progress back to other students.
Commenting on her first impressions of the school Year 7 pupil Nibras, said”I feel Proud to be the first year 7s to ever come here and I feel like it’s an accomplishment to be one of the first pupils to see the school.
“I like how it’s been built, its unique, light and spacious. The facilities all look great but I’m mostly looking forward to using the science labs. The school cost a lot of money and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to come here”
Cardiff Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “This is a hugely exciting chapter in the history of Fitzalan High School. I have enjoyed closely following the progress of the development despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, from initial design to seeing first-hand, the impressive new building that is welcoming pupils this week.
“The delivery of this state-of-the-art secondary school is an excellent example of an urban and modern school building which will provide current and future generations with excellent facilities and quality learning environments. In addition, it will create opportunities for the whole community and is a significant boost for the local area.
“I wish pupils and staff the very best for the start of the new term in their new building, a school that they can be proud of and where learners can thrive and realise their potential.”
Assistant Headteacher and New School Coordinator, Jo Kemp said: “We are delighted to be welcoming pupils to their brand-new school this week. After securing some of our best ever A-Level and GCSE results this year, we are really excited to see what we can achieve in such a fantastic, fit for purpose environment.
“We feel justifiably proud that we have worked so well with the Council, Welsh Government and the project team from Kier to get us to this point and we are really grateful to everyone for their input.”
Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “We are proud to have delivered these new, state-of-the-art facilities at Fitzalan High School, which will benefit secondary school pupils in Cardiff for generations to come.
“It will also benefit the local community in Leckwith, who will be able to access these wonderful facilities, including the 25m, four-lane swimming pool installed on site.
“We hope the pupils enjoy their new school as much as we enjoyed delivering it.”
