A RURAL primary school has gone from Edwardian to the 21st century after the opening of a new site.

Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd pupils were running and climbing in excitement after the opening of their new school where they can have PE lessons and lunch.

Pupils were most excited about the space with a new school hall where they can have lunch, when previously they had to eat at their desks.

It includes a building management system (BMS) which automatically controls air quality, light and heating, along with interactive 4k TVs in every classroom that can be covered with a whiteboard for more conventional lessons.

The school is a timber frame construction featuring solar panels to generate its own electricity.

Classrooms open out onto a green space, with soft play area, multi-use games court and even a greenhouse for pupils to grow their own produce.

Teachers will also benefit with a staff room which they did not have in the old building.

The £5.3m Church of Wales site is a collaboration between Denbighshire Council, the Diocese of St Asaph and Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme. It was built by Bodelwyddan contractor Wynne Construction.

Welsh medium Ysgol Pentrecelyn was set to be merged at the site however it was blocked by Welsh language campaigners and parents amid fears that it would harm the Welsh language.

After the school was built there was then a mix-up over where sewerage would be sent and negotiations were carried out with a private land owner, despite the school being essentially ready.

Headteacher Helen Oldfield said the school now has a “blank canvas” to improve learning opportunities for a new generation of pupils.

“These are fantastic facilities compared to the old site which was not fit for purpose for the 21st century.

“Pupils had to eat in the classroom and had to go to Ysgol Borthyn for PE lessons. They are excited about how much space there is with the hall, MUGA and sports facilities which are all under one roof.”

Gruff, 11, said: “I’m excited that the school is really big and we have a hall where we can eat and a projector for assemblies.”

Sovay, nine, said: “The school is amazing! There is a lot of space and I like the classroom a lot.”

Huw Evans, county councillor for Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, who is also the leader of DCC, said: “This is a historic day for the community of Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd. A 21st century school with fantastic modern facilities and excellent learning environment in a rural community is a great achievement, and as the local member I would like to wish the pupils, staff and governors best wishes in this exciting new era.”

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, DCC's cabinet member for education and children's services, said: “Seeing the children’s reaction to their new school was fantastic. They are thrilled with their school which will give them a first-class environment so they can get the best out of their education.

“Thanks to partnership working pupils have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in both Welsh and English. This is yet another example of Denbighshire’s commitment to invest in education facilities and is part of our work to make sure young people have the best possible start in life.”

Rosalind Williams, director of education and lifelong learning for the Diocese of St Asaph, added: “We are delighted the new bilingual church school in Llanfair DC has opened its doors. This has been a great partnership between the Welsh Government, Denbighshire County Council and the Diocese of St Asaph working together to achieve the best for the children.

"This fantastic new facility will significantly improve bilingual provision for the village and the surrounding areas.”