A new Welsh medium school is in the works to serve a forthcoming housing development in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT), as reported by Wales Online. The plan involves establishing a Welsh medium primary school for children aged three to 11, as part of the Llanilid housing project, and converting Dolau Primary School from dual language to solely English medium. RCT’s cabinet has given its approval for this initiative at a meeting held on Wednesday, February 19.
The upcoming Welsh medium primary school is expected to commence operations no later than the 2027 academic year, accommodating 480 statutory school-age pupils and 60 nursery-age pupils. Simultaneously, Dolau Primary School will make the switch to an English medium primary school, with its capacity increased to cater to 488 students and 63 nursery spaces. The Llanharan area already received outline planning consent in January 2016 for the construction of new residences, alongside retail spaces, a medical facility, a library, a primary school, and public open spaces, on the land of a former coal site.
Responses to the consultation on these proposals show that among the 99 respondents, 50 were in favour, 37 were against, 10 were uncertain, and two did not respond. The funding for the new Welsh medium school will come from the Community Infrastructure Levy from the Llanilid development and Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. Any necessary adaptations at Dolau Primary School will be financed from RCT’s capital budget.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, the cabinet member for education, expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasising that no statutory objections were raised. He described the endeavour as “extremely exciting and ambitious,” echoing the sentiment that a new school in a fledgling community would be warmly received. The council aims to account for future growth through this venture, aligning with its Welsh in Education Strategic Plan.
The report further alludes to future financial updates on the proposal to be included in forthcoming treasury management reports. The development holds promise for addressing the demand for schooling in RCT, especially in light of the projected increase in residents due to the housing project.
With the new Welsh medium school set to cater specifically to the Llanilid site and Dolau Primary transitioning to an English medium only school, this educational initiative marks a significant step towards bolstering infrastructure to meet the needs of a burgeoning community. Through meticulous planning and strategic allocation of resources, Rhondda Cynon Taf aims to uphold its commitment to providing quality education for its residents.