New £5m School Officially Opened in Rhosymedre

A new £5 million primary school was officially opened in Rhosymedre today.

Work on Rhosymedre Community Primary School, which accommodates 210 pupils, was started by Welsh building firm Watkin Jones back in August 2010 with the demolition of the old school site.

The impressive new site was built in time for the start of term in September 2011 and was officially opened earlier this afternoon by the Rt Reverend John S Davies, retired Bishop of Saint Asaph.

It boasts a number ecological features for children to enjoy such as a pond to attract wildlife, bird and bat boxes and bat friendly lights.

The school has a U shaped layout and conforms to the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) the leading and most widely used environmental assessment standard for buildings.

It also has several sustainable features including solar thermal panels to provide heating to the domestic hot water system for the kitchens and toilet facilities. Underfloor heating is provided via a ground or air source heat pump unit.

Headteacher at Rhosymedre Community Primary, Liz Edwards, said: “This is a very proud day for the school and I am very pleased to welcome so many people here to share it with us. Parents, governors, staff and pupils are all delighted with the new school and we are all looking to a bright future in a community primary school that provides an enhanced learning environment for everyone.”

John Davies, Head of Lifelong Learning at Wrexham Council, said: “It is essential that our young people are taught in an environment that brings out their full potential. We are grateful to the Welsh Government for their funding for this and other projects throughout the county borough. I know everyone associated with this school has been delighted with its completion and the future for education in Rhosymedre looks very bright.”

Other educational improvements in Wrexham are ongoing, in Llay, works to provide a £4.5 million extension for the infant and pre school class, safety and access improvements and the refurbishment of the existing junior school are currently on schedule for completion in September.