THE construction of a new school premises for Pencoedtre High School is about to begin as part of a £34.7 million investment by the Vale council and Welsh Government.

This project is a part of the 21st Century Schools programme, which will see more than £135 million invested in transforming educational facilities across the Vale of Glamorgan.

Construction has already began on an extension for Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, in Barry, and a new-build for Whitmore High School, bringing together the Barry Secondary Learning Communities.

A three-storey building with state-of-the-art facilities will be built by Bouygues UK to accommodate 1,250 pupils.

The site will be operating in line with Welsh Government social distancing legalisation and under the Construction Leadership Council’s site operating procedures.

The redevelopment will include a dining hall, a courtyard, a sixth form area, performance spaces and excellent sporting facilities including an all-weather hockey pitch, grassed football and rugby pitches, games courts and an indoor sports hall.

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 Pencoedtre High given the very best platform for success.

“I’m delighted that the third of three Barry Secondary school transformations is now underway and pupils and teachers will be able to use these brand new facilities soon.”

All being well, the project timetable will see pupils and teachers transfer to the new school in early 2022 with the project due for completion in the Spring of 2023.