Celebrations as new era begins for local primary school

There were celebrations this week as staff and pupils marked the start of a new era for their primary school.

Over the past 12 months Ysgol Penycae has undergone a multi-million pound revamp which for the first time has brought together the infants and junior schools together under one roof.

A total of £2.6 million has been spent on the new build and revamp, which boasts four new classrooms, a new hall, improved kitchen facilities and a playground area.

The works were carried out by Reed Construction, who Wrexham Council say completed the project on budget and on time.

On Wednesday staff and pupils celebrated the grand opening of the school and showcased its new facilities to visitors. A new plaque was also unveiled by two students and Cllr Joan Lowe.

Local Member, Cllr John Phillips, described the amalgamation of the two schools as being “beneficial for the whole area.”

“A modern 21st century school well equipped and fit for purpose where the children will prosper and achieve to the best of their ability,” continued Cllr Phillips.

“The quality of the new extension is absolutely brilliant which blends in well with the original building. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work and commitment, which is very much appreciated.

Chair of Governors, Cllr Joan Lowe, said: “This is a great day for the school and I was very proud to welcome everyone to the new facilities and to unveil the new plaque along with two of the school’s pupils.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in ensuring these improvements happened and to making us all very proud of our school. Well done everyone and good luck to pupils and staff as this new chapter in the school’s history begins.”

The works were funded using 21st Century School funding from the Welsh Government which was match funded by Wrexham Council.

Similar projects have already taken place across Wrexham, with the building of two new schools in Caia Park, a revamp of Ysgol Plas Coch and works currently ongoing at Ysgol Bryn Alyn.

Commenting on the 21st Century Schools project, Education Secretary Kirsty Williams, said: “Our 21st Century Schools and Education Programme is not only about new buildings; it is also about improving existing schools to create the best learning environments for our learners.

“I am thrilled to see the completion of this project, match funded with £1.3m from the Welsh Government, which has provided a new hall, improved kitchen, parking and playground space and a redesigned foundation phase area – excellent facilities that will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Kasia Pugh, engagement manager with Read Construction, said, “We’re delighted to have delivered this scheme, together with Wrexham Council and the North Wales Framework, providing a 21st Century learning environment for the pupils.

“Throughout the project we achieved a number of social value objectives, including maximising training and recruitment for local people, benefitting the local community.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, welcomed the improvements carried out at the Ysgol Penycae and said the ongoing works at local schools are a sign of the council’s “commitment to improving the educational environment for children and staff.”

He added: “It was great to be at the school to see for myself what these improvements have meant to both pupils and teaching staff.

“There’s now a real sense of community and the future at this school is looking very bright.”