Over the last few months, I’ve posted a few pieces on new school (and school extension) plans in Bridgend County.
A report due to be discussed by a BCBC scrutiny committee later today has brought all of this information together – and provided a few new bits of news (pdf).
There are currently eight separate schemes that are either under construction, close to construction or in the planning and design stage.
Bridgend West (North Cornelly; new English-medium and Welsh-medium schools)
The planning applications for the two new schools were recently submitted.
The reason the projects have been delayed is a change in how the schools are funded. These issues have now been settled.
The new English-medium school will be built first as I understand it, to allow for clearance of the Corneli Primary site (to make way for the new Ysgol Y Ferch o’r Sger).
New Heronsbridge Special School (Island Farm)
Work has continued behind the scenes to ensure the new school meets the expected standards for a 21st-century special school. The new school will have 300 places for students with profound learning disabilities and complex autistic spectrum disorders.
The new school will potentially save some money as it would lead to fewer young people with complex needs being sent on expensive out-of-county placements. Some of the facilities at the new school may be available for community use.
The current timetable is for construction to begin in the summer of 2026.
New Ysgol Bro Ogwr (Brackla)
There’s a first look at the new Ysgol Bro Ogwr (pictured above). It needed a bespoke design due to the limits at the site, with the design being finalised.
This has caused some delays. Extra ecology work is also needed during 2025 – though the Welsh Government has approved a business case.
The school is now expected to open “in early 2027”.
Mynydd Cynffig Primary (Kenfig Hill)
A planning application was submitted towards the end of 2024. The school will be built in phases because the junior school needs to stay open. The new school is expected to open in December 2026 – subject to Cabinet approval.
Coety Primary extension
As mentioned recently, the project has been delayed. It’s now expected to be completed in time for the 2026-27 school year.
Pencoed Primary extension
The council are waiting for planning permission for a two-classroom extension.
Bryntirion Comprehensive new teaching block
The four-classroom teaching block is currently under construction and is expected to be finished before the end of May 2025.
Porthcawl Welsh-medium “Seedling School”
The 60-place mini school for Welsh-medium nursery and reception pupils will be built within the grounds of Porthcawl Primary School. The seedling school will act as an early years feeder to Ysgol Y Ferch o’r Sger, with the long-term aim being to establish a full Welsh-medium primary school Porthcawl at some point in the future.
The council put out a tender for a design team, which didn’t attract any responses. Instead, the council appointed their own team, with their work close to completion. A planning application is therefore imminent, subject to feedback from Dwr Cymru on drainage.
The current aim is to open in September 2026.
