A significant step forward in transforming education for learners in Powys was celebrated this week, as a turf‑cutting ceremony marked the official start of construction on a new school building for Brynllywarch Hall School.
The ceremony took place on Monday 11 May at the school’s site in Kerry, near Newtown, bringing together pupils, staff, council representatives and contractors to mark the start of work on a modern, purpose‑built facility designed to meet the complex needs of its learners.
Powys County Council is delivering the project with its appointed contractor, SJ Roberts Construction Ltd, following their recent appointment to build the new school.
The new facility will provide a high‑quality learning environment tailored to support learners aged 8 to 19, whose needs include complex emotional, behavioural and social challenges. The building will replace existing accommodation and will be designed to create a calm, safe and supportive setting that enables young people to thrive.
The Welsh Government is funding 75% of the £12.7m construction costs, and an additional £700,000 to support Net Zero Carbon elements of the build. The remaining 25% of construction costs are being funded by the Council.
Pupils and staff from Brynllywarch Hall School along with representatives from the council and SJ Roberts Construction Ltd attended the turf-cutting ceremony, which marked the formal start of the main construction works.
The project will deliver a modern, purpose‑built school on the existing site, including specialist teaching areas, breakout spaces, outdoor learning zones and facilities designed to fully support delivery of the new national curriculum. Elements of the site will also be made available for community use outside of school hours.
Sustainability is central to the scheme, with the building designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon in operation. Features will include air source heat pumps, solar panels and mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems, supporting the council’s wider environmental commitments.
Construction is now underway, with completion anticipated in Autumn 2027.
The investment is a key element of the council’s Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys, which focuses on improving learner experiences and outcomes through high‑quality, inclusive learning environments. It also supports the council’s ambition for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys.
Cllr James Gibson‑Watt, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “This turf‑cutting ceremony marks a hugely important milestone for Brynllywarch Hall School and, most importantly, for the young people it supports. Seeing work begin on site is a powerful step forward in delivering the right environment for some of our most vulnerable learners.
“Providing safe, modern and specialist facilities is central to our Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys. This new school has been carefully designed to support wellbeing, engagement and positive outcomes, giving learners the stability and support they need to succeed.
“The investment also reflects our wider ambition for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys – creating a high‑quality, energy‑efficient building that promotes inclusion, supports equality of opportunity and delivers long‑term benefits for learners, families and the wider community.”
Speaking on behalf of Brynllywarch Hall School, Chair of Governors Kath-Roberts Jones and Headteacher Gavin Randell said: “This turf‑cutting marks a hugely significant moment for our school community. This investment represents more than just a new building – it is a commitment to meeting the complex needs of our learners and giving them the safe, nurturing environment they deserve to succeed.
“We are proud to see plans become reality for a purpose‑built school that has been designed with our young people at its heart, supporting their wellbeing, engagement and aspirations. We look forward to working with our partners to bring this vision to life, creating a facility that will make a lasting difference to the lives of current and future learners, as well as the wider community.”
Mike Sambrook, Managing Director at SJ Roberts Construction Ltd, said: “We are excited to see work commence on this hugely important project that will transform the provision of education for vulnerable learners in Powys.
“As a school that is located near to our own headquarters, we’re acutely aware of the important role this new facility will have in the local community. The whole SJ Roberts Construction team is committed to delivering a high-quality, future-proofed learning environment and we’ll be charting progress on site over the coming months.”
