Cabinet to consider school business case

A full business case to build a new school that will transform education for vulnerable learners in Powys could be submitted to the Welsh Government if give the go-ahead by the council’s Cabinet.

Powys County Council is planning to build a new school to replace Brynllywarch Hall School’s current building.

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The school, located in Kerry near Newtown, provides education for pupils from 8 to 19-year-olds, with a wide range of complex emotional, behavioural and social difficulties.

The investment plans will help the council deliver its Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys

The full business case will be reviewed by the council’s Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, January 16 before being considered by Cabinet on Tuesday, 4 February.

Cabinet will be told that the funding required for the replacement school would be £12.7m with 75% of funding coming from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. The remaining 25% would be funded by the council.

If the full business case is approved by Cabinet, it will be submitted to the Welsh Government for their approval.

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

“The existing Brynllywarch Hall building no longer offers a suitable environment for the teaching and support requirements of pupils with significant behavioural, emotional or social difficulties.

“The new school for Brynllywarch would provide an environment where teaching staff can thrive and provide pupils with the facilities that enable their needs to be met their needs giving them a more enjoyable and fulfilling educational experience.

“If the full business case is approved by both Cabinet and Welsh Government, this would represent another huge investment in our school infrastructure.”

When completed, the council will have delivered a purpose-built community focused school for pupils in age-appropriate environments which will include:

• Specialist support and provision to pupils with challenging behaviour, emotional and social difficulties in a modern and innovative learning environment
• Appropriate learning spaces to deliver the new national curriculum
• Specialist equipment, including IT facilities, to support teaching and learning outcomes which will help to ensure all learners maximise their potential
• A fully equipped class base, with breakout space and hygiene facilities, together with an individual outdoor learning area.

Community groups will also be able to access the facilities out of school hours.