Celebrations as new educational facilities at two Wrexham schools officially open

Two new state-of-the-art educational facilities in Wrexham have celebrated their official openings.

The £3.2m extension at Gwersyllt CP, which brings together the infant and junior classes together on one site, and a new £1.7m sixth form block at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd were opened on Thursday by Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, AM.

Celebratory ceremonies were held at both schools, with pupils at unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion.

Both sets of works works were funded by the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools fund and match-funded by Wrexham Council.

Cllr Phil Wynn, lead member for education at Wrexham Council, said: “It was a privilege to be at these two fantastic facilities and to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to Wrexham.

“We are committed to improving our schools across the county borough and provide our young people with a modern educational environment in order to deliver the 21st century curriculum.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work and to the Welsh Government for their funding which has allowed these two projects to be completed.”

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “I was delighted to open these two new facilities in Wrexham which show how innovative learning spaces and school reorganisation can support pupils and delivery of the new curriculum.

“We have provided significant funding for schools in Wrexham through our 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme which has seen us invest £1.4b across Wales over the last five years.

“I am pleased to say that a second wave of investment began last April which will see a further £2.3b invested across Wales to improve our school and college buildings.”

Ysgol Morgan Llwyd’s headteacher, Catrin Pritchard, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to our new 6th form building.

“The investment from Welsh Government and Wrexham Local Authority not only signifies an investment in our new facility but also in the future of Welsh medium post-16 provision at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd.

“It was also a privilege to welcome back a number of past Headteachers to the event. Our Sixth Form students have settled in well and have stated that they are privileged to be able to learn in such a safe, enjoyable and modern environment that allows them to work hard and achieve the grades that they need.”

Gwersyllt CP’s headteacher, Joel Moore, added: “It’s been another great day for the school in what feels like a year full of great days.

“It has been wonderful to welcome the Education Minister to the refurbishment and extension of the school alongside those that played a huge part in the process, those that play a huge part in the school currently and pupils, both past and present.

“We are very proud of our new school and very excited about the future for Gwersyllt CP. A big thank you to all that made it happen.”

The work – carried out by contractors Read Construction – began late in 2018, and we had the chance to take a look at some of the landmarks along the way – including the signing of a steel beam used in the new structure,