£68m school project gets Minister’s OK (From South Wales Guardian)

£68m school project gets Minister’s OK

10:08am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News

WELSH Government minister Leighton Andrews has approved plans for £68million investment in schools in the Dinefwr area, which will see the creation of new schools and provide major investment in Ysgol Dyffryn Aman.

The proposals for the Transformation of Secondary Education in the Dinewfr area include the establishment of two new secondary schools instead of the current four schools at Pantycelyn, Tre-Gib, Maes Yr Yrfa and Gwendraeth.

A new secondary school will be built in the Towy Valley to replace Pantycelyn and Tregib and it is proposed to reorganise the schools from next September.

Mr Andrews said he was satisfied that the proposals were consistent with policy, offered at least the equivalent quality and diversity of education – provided in superior accommodation – and that the local authority had met its statutory requirements in respect of consultation.

Carmarthenshire’s leader Cllr Kevin Madge said: “We are pleased with the minister’s decision and look forward to providing this significant investment in education in the Dinefwr area which will benefit so many young people.

“The changes will improve facilities and opportunities, in particular vocational and bilingual education in the 14-19 age range.”

Robert Sully, director of education and children’s services, welcomed the announcement.

Mr Sully said: “I am delighted that more than four years of hard work by the county council’s officers and its partners has now borne fruit and everyone in the Dinefwr area can look forward with confidence to the development of a 21st Century education for all young people in the area.”