Powys County Council unveiled its exciting plans to expand Ysgol Calon y Dderwen to include pupils from Maesyrhandir and Treowen.

The council is considering increasing the size of the building, transforming it into a community-focused school that could serve a wider population.

Ysgol Calon y Dderwen was established in September 2021 after the merger of Ladywell Green Infants School and Hafren Junior School. Since then, the school has become a hub of learning, encouraging students to reach their full potential. The replacement building, located adjacent to the North Powys Health and Well-being Campus, was initially designed to enhance the connection between health and education, creating an environment that nurtures student growth.

Recognising the need to align with the new Curriculum for Wales and provide an inclusive learning experience for as many pupils as possible, Powys County Council is exploring the possibility of expanding the school building.

The proposed change would not only benefit the current attendees of Ysgol Calon y Dderwen but also incorporate students from Maesyrhandir and Treowen schools.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said:

“We want to provide a learning environment where pupils flourish and meet their full potential and where staff can teach in facilities that support the delivery of the new Curriculum for Wales.

“I’m keen to ensure that as many pupils as possible benefit from the fantastic new facilities that will be provided at the new school building in Newtown. To achieve this, we are considering increasing the size of the new building so all pupils currently in English-medium schools south of the river can attend.

“However, we are at a very early stage in exploring these ideas. To help us understand what the impact of any changes to these schools might be, we have started discussions with the three school communities to understand areas of concern or local issues that we need to be aware of.

“We will be meeting with staff and governors at the three schools as we explore this plan and we will provide an opportunity for parents and the wider community to let us know their views.

“Our aim is to ensure that pupils in Newtown can continue to receive a high-quality education for many years to come and to ensure that as many pupils as possible can benefit from the significant financial investment that is planned for the town with no pupil south of the river left behind just because of where they live.

“I look forward to working with the three school communities to identify a way forward which will achieve this.”