Cllr Lis Burnett, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, attended a turf-cutting ceremony to mark the start of redevelopment work at Pencoedtre High School.

A new school is being built following an investment of nearly £35 million as part of the Council's 21st Century Schools programme. That will see more £135 million spent on transforming educational facilities across the County.

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

Now, in the latest development, a three-storey building with state-of-the-art facilities will be built by contractors Bouygues UK at Pencoedtre to accommodate 1,250 pupils.

As with all other Council construction projects, the site will closely observe the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) operating procedures to ensure the safety of those working there.

The new school building will house a dining hall, courtyard, sixth-form area, performance spaces and top-class sports facilities, including an all-weather hockey pitch, grass football and rugby pitches, games courts and an indoor sports hall.

Cllr Burnett said: "This redevelopment 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.

"Educational facilities are being upgraded across the county, meaning pupils in our schools will have the very best platform for success.

"This is the third of three Barry secondary schools to undergo a major transformation and I hope pupils, parents, teachers and the wider community will be delighted with the results."

It is anticipated teachers and pupils can transfer to the new school building in early 2022, with the project due for completion that summer.

Visit the Community Benefits page to learn how the Barry Secondary Learning Communities scheme is providing additional benefits to the wider Vale of Glamorgan and see if your organisation is eligible to receive in-kind donations and support.