THE construction of a new school at Whitmore High, in Barry, is about to begin as part of a £30.5 million investment by Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Under the authority’s 21st Century Schools programme, a partnership with Welsh Government that involves comprehensive upgrading of educational infrastructure across the County, the current school site will undergo a dramatic transformation.

Accommodating 1,100 pupils, the work, carried out by Morgan Sindall Construction, will create an ultra-modern learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

Teaching space will be spread across three storeys, with 70 general classrooms and two drama and activity studios encompassed within the 11,000-metre square site.

A specialist suite will also help support students with additional learning needs.

Indoor and outdoor sporting facilities form part of the development and include an all-weather pitch and multi-use games court as well as a central courtyard designated for group learning and informal use.

There will also be a music studio, fitted with the latest equipment, a multifunctional hall with retractable seating and a large dining area.

Staff and pupils will transfer to the new building for September 2021 to allow demolition of the existing buildings and creation of new sport facilities, with the project due for completion by spring 2022.

Vale council deputy leader and cabinet member for education and regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett said: “The new school with its state-of-the-art facilities will see pupils at Whitmore High given the very best platform for success.

“The extensive development taking place at Whitmore High is the latest in a far-reaching series of work being carried out under our 21st Century Schools programme that is the most ambitious ever undertaken in the Vale.”

A new school will also be built at Pencoedtre High, in Barry, including a four-court sports hall, performance space, innovative learning environments, allotment areas, and a new all-weather hockey pitch.

Welsh language secondary education will also benefit with Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg set to undergo extensive improvement and expansion works.