Monmouth Comprehensive opens its 21st Century School doors to pupils

Pupils in Monmouth were welcomed into their new 21st Century School yesterday.

Students and staff started the academic year in their newly-constructed state of the art school.  Monmouthshire County Council in conjunction with partners at Interserve, the international support services and construction group, and Welsh Government has delivered a tremendous new learning environment for pupils and staff.  Bright and inspiring spaces will enhance learning experiences.

The £40m learning environment incorporates a mixture of theatre style areas, a large hall and studio spaces to study informally, together with naturally lit classrooms and a range of leisure spaces for young people to enjoy. Construction embraces 21st century digital technology throughout which includes cinema quality projectors and the latest interactive teaching equipment for teachers and students.

This energy-efficient space includes self-cooling technology in hot weather with heat release to reduce the need for traditional heating.  Natural light is optimised throughout with automatic lighting to save electricity.

The school has been built by local people – with 70% of the builders, electricians, plumbers and engineers on site living in the area, including some past pupils.  Many local apprentices have learnt skills on site and work experience students have contributed to the project to provide them with future job opportunities.  Interserve in collaboration with the county council and Y Prentis, a shared apprenticeship scheme covering South East Wales, have exceeded the project community benefits target.

Community groups will benefit from these enhanced facilities too. The dance studio and hall can be used for community meetings, groups and fitness classes and the stage area provides a perfect performance space for local choirs and amateur dramatic groups.

The school sits alongside and compliments the newly opened leisure centre, both valuable assets for future generations.

Councillor Richard John, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member for Children and Young people said: “Having visited the site repeatedly over the past 12 months, it is inspiring to see students and staff move into Monmouth Comprehensive School's new home.
"The council, together with our contractors, Welsh Government and full involvement from students and teachers, have delivered a state of the art learning environment for young people in Monmouth for generations to come.

"I look forward to hearing feedback from staff and students as the new term begins and look forward to the completion of the external works including the demolition of the old buildings. Together with the redevelopment of the leisure centre, this represents the single biggest investment in Monmouth for generations and I hope it is of great benefit to local residents."

Headteacher Vaughan Davies is delighted with the outcome of the investment in Monmouth’s community: “I’m so pleased to welcome pupils and colleagues into our 21st century school. I would like to thank staff, pupils, parents, governors and all our partners for their significant contribution into the design, to make this an inclusive learning environment for everyone. We have captured all that is currently very successful about our school and based on our values, we have enhanced it.  These new spaces can now be used in the best possible way for all pupils to enjoy their learning and progress to adult life with the skills and knowledge to equip them for employment and lifelong learning.”