The Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme (formerly known as the 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme) is a long-term investment in school buildings, focusing resources on providing the right schools in the right places.
The programme represents the largest infrastructure investment in schools since the 1960s, providing school build and improvement projects through a match–funding commitment from Welsh Government.
Newport City Council has delivered investment to the value of £52m under Band A of the programme.
Newport City Council’s initial Band B programme was approved by Welsh Government and provided an overall funding envelope of £70m with 65% being contributed by Welsh Government.
Newport City Council submitted a revised Strategic Outline Programme to Welsh Government in December 2021. The revised Strategic Outline Programme was approved on 8th February 2022 to include a new project at St Andrew’s Primary School. The Band B funding envelope now stands at £84.2m.
Read the Strategic Outline Programme update July 2017 (pdf)
Read the Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Full Business Case (pdf)
Read the Bassaleg School Full Business Case (pdf)
Read the Strategic Outline Programme update October 2020 (pdf)
Read the Strategic Outline Programme revision 2021 Approval Letter (pdf)
Current projects in Newport
Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed
The new teaching and dining/assembly building is complete and is now in use. A 3G sports pitch has also been provided and is also in use.
Bassaleg School
The project will include the removal and replacement of a range of existing buildings with a brand new state of the art teaching block, new sports pitches and improved access and parking. The first sports pitch is complete and in use by the school and local community. The main project began in February 2022 and is set for completion in summer 2023, with removal of temporary accommodation and making good to the grounds due to be complete by spring 2024.
Whiteheads (Relocation of Pillgwenlly Primary School)
The designs for the new school building are progressing with a view to work commencing spring 2023. The contractor for the project has been appointed and the building is designed to achieve operational Net Zero Carbon status. (Artist's impression below)
St. Andrew’s Primary School (Junior School building replacement)
A project to replace St Andrew’s key stage two building. The Junior building has been demolished and removed from site.
Caerleon Comprehensive School
The designs for the new school building are progressing with a view to work commencing spring/summer 2023.
Completed projects in Newport
Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed
Provision of a new teaching block and establishment of Newport’s first Welsh-medium secondary school which opened in 2016.
The John Frost School
A new teaching block, refurbishment of existing buildings and extensive groundworks including the provision of a 3G sports pitch.
Gaer Primary School
The provision of a new Foundation Phase teaching block, bringing Foundation Phase and KS2 pupils together.
Ysgol Bryn Derw
Refurbishment and remodelling of the Gaer infants building to house Ysgol Bryn Derw, Newport’s first school for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Caerleon Lodge Hill Primary School
A new school bringing Foundation Phase and KS2 children together in one building and the demolition of the old junior school building.
Maes Ebbw School – a seven classroom extension is being built to provide additional capacity and improved provision for children with severe learning difficulties and complex medical needs.
Demountable classrooms at Pentrepoeth, Mount Pleasant and Langstone primary schools have been replaced with new build extensions, and Lliswerry High School has received a replacement front façade and internal refurbishment works.
In addition nursery classes have been established at High Cross, Millbrook, Monnow, Clytha, Malpas Park and Glasllwch primary schools.
The council's aim of providing nursery facilities at all community maintained primary schools in Newport has now been achieved.
Two new primary schools at Jubilee Park (right, opened September 2017) and Glan Llyn (below, opening September 2019) have also been delivered in partnership with developers.
Proposed works 2019 - 2024
Band B of the programme in 2019 will see further investment in Newport's primary and secondary schools, including new facilities for Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed, Bassaleg School, Caerleon Comprehensive School and the provision of a new primary school on the Whiteheads development site in Pillgwenlly.
Read about school reorganisations in Newport