Cabinet has received a progress update from officers on the next tranche of major investment projects in local schools, that the Council is developing. Nine exciting projects are in varying stages and are earmarked for delivery over the next few years – with continued support from Welsh Government via the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
The Council completed several major development projects at local schools in the 2024/25 academic year, delivered within Band B of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme – which pupils and staff are now enjoying.
Brand new schools were established in Cilfynydd, Hawthorn and Rhydyfelin, as part of a wider £79.9 million investment across Greater Pontypridd. In addition, under the Mutual Investment Model, new school buildings were built at Pontyclun Primary, Penygawsi Primary and Llanilltud Faerdref Primary – alongside a first-class new site for Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn.
In March 2025, officers brought forward a Cabinet report that looked forward to the period ahead – and Members endorsed a proposed next tranche of nine school investments, delivered as part of a £414 million funding commitment over nine years. A further Cabinet report on Monday, September 22, has provided the latest update on these projects, as summarised below:
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said: “The Council has delivered numerous exciting school investment projects over the past 18 months or so, in partnership with Welsh Government – which has included establishing three schools in Greater Pontypridd, plus modern buildings for communities within Pontyclun, Llantrisant, Church Village and Ferndale. Now, we’re already thinking ahead to the next tranche of projects for the few years ahead.
“In March 2025, Cabinet Members endorsed this planned investment – which includes nine new projects, totalling £414 million, over nine years. Two of these are already making excellent progress, with contractors appointed and construction work developing on site – namely the new ALN school in Clydach Vale, and the new ultra-sustainable school and community hub for Glyn-coch.
“Monday’s update showed that 2026 will be a very exciting year, not only with the delivery of the two ongoing projects, but also the planned completion of new teaching blocks at Buarth y Capel and St John’s High School, along with construction starting on new schools for Penrhys Primary and Ysgol Cwm Rhondda. Work at Ysgol Llanhari will follow in early 2027, while planned investments for communities in Abernant and Llanilid are being developed.
“I’m delighted we’re able to continue to invest heavily in education facilities for our young people, bringing first-class learning environments for more of our communities – and we continue to welcome significant support from Welsh Government to make this possible. Officers will keep Cabinet up-to-date as each of the new projects progress over the months ahead, while schools and communities will also be kept fully-informed as each one develops.”
