Following the successful completion and handover of the new-build school, Ysgol Bro Penfro opened its doors to pupils for the first time on Thursday 5th September.
The school represents an exciting new chapter for Welsh medium education in Pembrokeshire and will serve as a Welsh medium primary school for the whole of the south west of Pembrokeshire.
The Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro building project has been funded by the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, and Pembrokeshire County Council, and provides full day-care for up to 36 children aged 0-11 years, a 30 place nursery, and capacity for up to 210 pupils (Reception to Year 6).
The school represents a landmark project, not only for its status as a Welsh medium school, but also due to it being the first school in Pembrokeshire to be delivered to meet stringent Net Zero Carbon requirements. The school was built by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd with approximately 21% of all sub contracts being awarded to Pembrokeshire companies.
Cllr. Guy Woodham Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said: “I am delighted to see Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro open its doors to pupils for the first time. This new school is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality Welsh medium education and creating sustainable, state-of-the-art learning environments.
“The investment in this project not only supports the educational needs of our children but also reinforces our dedication to environmental responsibility. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this school will have on our community and the future generations of Pembrokeshire.”
The school’s Executive Headteacher, Dafydd Hughes, said that he was delighted to be in a position to welcome pupils to the new school.
“It is pleasing that nearly 140 children have come through the doors of this fantastic new facility and I am certain that we can ensure that we develop a successful educational setting which will provide pupils with the opportunity to thrive and flourish in a fully Welsh medium setting. The focus will be on innovation and excellence in all aspects of the school’s daily work whether supporting pupils from an academic perspective or from a well-being perspective. I want them to be proud of their language, their community and their school.”
The Council’s two Welsh Language Champions, Cllr Delme Harries and Cllr Aled Thomas added: “We are delighted that Ysgol Bro Penfro has opened and that the Council has invested in a new Welsh medium school to serve the wider Pembroke area. This investment, and Cabinet’s decision to widen the school’s catchment area, will further enable the expansion, and access to Welsh medium education in the county.”
