Turf cutting event highlights start of new school construction

Construction work has officially begun on a new £12.7 million school building at Brynllywarch Hall School in Kerry, near Newtown, marking a major investment in education provision for some of Powys’ most vulnerable learners.

A turf cutting ceremony held at the school site brought together pupils, staff, Powys County Council representatives and contractor SJ Roberts Construction Ltd to celebrate the start of work on the purpose built facility.

The new school will support learners aged eight to 19 with complex emotional, behavioural and social needs, replacing existing accommodation with a modern environment designed to create a calmer and more supportive setting.

Plans for the new building include specialist teaching areas, breakout spaces, outdoor learning zones and facilities designed to support the national curriculum. Parts of the site will also be available for community use outside school hours.

The Welsh Government is providing 75 per cent of the £12.7m construction funding, alongside a further £700,000 for Net Zero Carbon elements. Powys County Council will fund the remaining 25 per cent.

Construction is expected to continue until autumn 2027.

Councillor James Gibson Watt, Powys County Council Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “This turf cutting ceremony marks a hugely important milestone for Brynllywarch Hall School and, most importantly, for the young people it supports. Seeing work begin on site is a powerful step forward in delivering the right environment for some of our most vulnerable learners.

“Providing safe, modern and specialist facilities is central to our Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys. This new school has been carefully designed to support wellbeing, engagement and positive outcomes, giving learners the stability and support they need to succeed.”

He added: “The investment also reflects our wider ambition for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys, creating a high quality, energy efficient building that promotes inclusion, supports equality of opportunity and delivers long term benefits for learners, families and the wider community.”

Speaking on behalf of Brynllywarch Hall School, Chair of Governors Kath Roberts Jones and Headteacher Gavin Randell said the development represented a major moment for the school community.

“This investment represents more than just a new building. It is a commitment to meeting the complex needs of our learners and giving them the safe, nurturing environment they deserve to succeed.

“We are proud to see plans become reality for a purpose built school that has been designed with our young people at its heart.”

Sustainability measures form a key part of the scheme, with air source heat pumps, solar panels and heat recovery systems included as part of plans to create a Net Zero Carbon building.

Mike Sambrook, Managing Director at SJ Roberts Construction Ltd, said: “As a school that is located near to our own headquarters, we’re acutely aware of the important role this new facility will have in the local community.”

The project forms part of Powys County Council’s wider Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys, aimed at improving learning environments and outcomes across the county.