THE MODERNISATION programme for the new multi-million pound Ysgol Penyffordd continues to gather momentum.

This was celebrated at a 'panel signing' event attended by councillors, officials and representatives of the local contractor, Bodelwyddan based Wynne Construction at the 21st century primary school site.

The new site will accommodate 315 full time pupils and a nursery on the Abbott’s Lane site.

The work forms part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Education Programme and follows the successful completion of Holywell Learning Campus and Deeside 6th Form College and work currently ongoing to modernise and improve Connah’s Quay High School.

The new school will include classrooms to accommodate nursery, foundation phase and key stage 1 and 2 for 315 pupils as well as a hall and studio. It will retain the existing sports grassed area.

Flintshire Council’s cabinet member for education and youth, Councillor Ian Roberts, said: “This is another milestone in the provision of the 21st Century Schools programme in Flintshire. This investment of almost £7 million will provide a wonderful modern facility for children, young people and the wider community and will provide a new inspirational learning experience for primary school children.”

Chris Wynne, managing director of Wynne Construction said: "We are delighted to welcome the pupils, teachers and key stakeholders to the site today and for them to be involved in a key milestone of the new school build. Work is progressing well and we look forward to organising more visits for the pupils, to see their new classrooms and also to demonstrate how the school has been constructed and what will be involved to complete the project."

The Welsh Government’s Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said: “I am delighted to hear that the work carried out at Ysgol Penyffordd has reached this key milestone.

“Through the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme we are investing alongside local authorities to create buildings that are well-designed, safe and energy-efficient, that meet the needs of learners, teachers and the wider community and are truly befitting of the 21st Century.

“The developments made to Ysgol Penyffordd will bring pupils from infant and junior ages together under one roof. This will allow pupils to learn in an environment that has teaching staff and classrooms they are familiar with, and all the benefits this consistency brings to their learning experience.”