Pencoedtre High School's new 21st century building unveiled

Following a two-year build by Bouygues UK – as part of Vale of Glamorgan Council and Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme – Pencoedtre High School in Barry is now operating from a purpose built three-storey building on Merthyr Dyfan Road (south of the former site, set to be demolished).

Staff and children are now based at the new school, following Covid risk assessments and a phased return.

An art classroom at Pencoedtre High School

The new £34 million accessible building has an open plan dining area with kitchen.

The dining area with kitchen

It also boasts wings for different subjects, ICT suites, performances spaces, a learning and wellbeing centre, and a range of sports facilities including:

• A 4G rugby pitch;
• Football field;
• Hockey field;
• Basketball courts;
• Tennis courts;
• Gyms and fitness suites;
• A huge sports hall.

Some of the sports facilities and gym equipment at Pencoedtre High School

Headteacher, Mr Lee Humphreys, is keen for the new building to benefit not just its pupils but the people of Barry – utilising the building outside of school hours and on weekends.

“The response [to the school] from children, staff, and the community has been brilliant,” said Mr Humphreys.

“It’s a world class environment and we want to become a fully embedded community school which everyone can be a part of.

“We want to break down barriers and develop the school – in the short, medium and long term – so it becomes a hub for the Barry community.”

Headteacher Mr Lee Humphreys

There will be after-school community enrichment activities hosted there, with Mr Humphreys hoping to host cinema nights for children and their families. Plans are in place to allow sports clubs and make use of the “amazing” facilities within the new building.

Pencoedtre High School offers specialist provisions, which were in place at the former site, but can now develop further at their new base. For children who struggle with literacy and numeracy the school offers a curriculum more focused on developing these skills, while enjoying the other subjects on offer.

“It would be immoral to not give these children support,” added Mr Humphreys.

“We provide an environment of support so every child can feel successful.”

The school caters to pupils from year seven to year 12, with their sixth form pupils collaborating with Whitmore High School which has also been transformed through the 21st Century Schools Programme.

Paige Ford, 17, is head girl at Pencoedtre High School, currently studying A-levels in Maths, English, and Business.

She described the new building as “lovely” adding: “The classrooms are open and wide, with big windows, it’s bright and comforting.”

And 16-year-old Ashleigh Watkins, who is in Year 11 and aspires to be a neurosurgeon said the new facilities make her feel more motivated.

Year 11 pupil Ashleigh Watkins

“It’s clean, modern, and open; it makes me want to learn and go and accomplish my goals,” said Ms Watkins.

“It’s a big change for everyone and I think some are nostalgic about the old building but this one is cleaner and nicer with a more positive vibe.

“The facilities are amazing – science is my favourite thing, so I love the labs here. There’s also great drama facilities and teachers.”

The new building is part of regeneration across Barry and across the Vale of Glamorgan – along with providing children with a modern space to learn, and offering a community space, the new building has created more than 1,000 jobs – including more than 80 apprenticeships and 154 brand new start jobs.

Deputy leader of Vale of Glamorgan council and cabinet member for education and regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett, said: “What’s wonderful is when you see this and other schools it demonstrates why education and regeneration are together.

“This school has had an impact for young people of the town and regeneration – it’s all joining up for Barry and this is the pinnacle.

“For us there’s very little as important as educational facilities and we’re already looking at where to go next, for example looking at the environment and low and zero carbon builds.”

Cllr Lis Burnett at Pencoedtre High School

Pencoedtre High School was built with sustainability in mind – with a “phenomenal” amount of solar panels, along with planted areas and rain water harvesting.