Pupils and staff of a Welsh medium primary school have been coping well in the face of a busy year as they have gradually moved into a new premises.

Following a number of delays, the new school building for Welshpool’s Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng opened its doors on May 2, and students have flourished in the new environment according to staff.

Having almost completed their first full term in the new school building, Headteacher Angharad Davies said the transition period has been “a really good way of making sure the children felt at home from the starting point”.

It’s been a long wait for students and staff, with multiple delays involving the planning and construction of the school building as a result of numerous complications.

Planning and Construction

Plans for the 150-place Welsh medium school were first submitted in 2017 as part of Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, stating that the new school would be built on the former site of Ysgol Maesydre.

The plans were ultimately revised following concerns that the old school building would be demolished as part of the development. Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service, confirmed the old school’s Grade 2 listed status in 2018.

Wynne Construction was appointed to the role of integrating the old building with modern architecture to facilitate early years education and community facilities, by Powys County Council. However, project was further delayed by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Work resumed in November 2021 and was projected to last for 12 months, with parents, staff and students being given a tour of the facility in October 2022.

However, by December 2022 it was announced that construction had slowed down significantly as a result of supply chain issues, forcing the school to push back its opening date to May 2023.

By April 2023, students and staff were assisting in the moving process, preparing their classrooms as part of the transitioning arrangements.

Hugh Davies, Project Manager said: “It’s been a privilege for Wynne to be involved with the build.

“The project presented a unique challenge, with two totally different buildings, two different heating systems and two different architects but I think it’s fitted together nicely.”

Opening Day

On May 2, 2023, Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng finally opened its doors to students and staff, with pupils taking their parents on tours of the new facilities they played a part in setting up.

At the new school’s first morning assembly, Headteacher Angharad Davies said: “This new building represents us and has helped create our vision for what this school can be.

“I’ve spoken to so many people who have said that Ysgol Maesydre brings back memories for them, and with a new school at this location it allows our pupils to be a part of that shared history in that old building.

“I can’t believe how lucky I am to be head of this wonderful school, where we celebrate that nobody is perfect, and everyone is different.”

A New Home

Having settled into their new school building, the staff at Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng are looking towards the school’s place in the community as well as reflecting on how well the students have settled after the transitional period.

Ms Davies added: “Having a look at the new building and familiarising themselves with the space makes the children so much more eager to learn I think, and gives them a sense of ownership over the school to ease any anxieties over such a big move.

“It’s wonderful for the school as a whole, as we finally feel like Ysgol Gymraeg has a home.”

Amid the move to the new facility, students have still found the time to find success in the 2023 Eisteddfod, with students from Ysgol Grymraeg qualifying for the finals in categories like dance, dramatics and athletics.