A NEW primary school is to be built in the Peblig area of Caernarfon with a £5.8 million granted by the Assembly.
The school will replace Ysgol yr Hendre, which is full to capacity as the largest primary school in Gwynedd county, and serves 450 students from the Peblig ward.
Gwynedd Council leader, cllr Dyfed Edwards, said: “We are all absolutely delighted that the Minister and the ‘One Wales’ government have given their full support for this vital flagship project.
“The new Ysgol yr Hendre is the result of a concerted team Gwynedd effort with school staff, parents and governors, council and local Assembly Member Alun
Ffred Jones all working together behind the scenes to present a compelling case for the children of Peblig.”
It is hoped that the new school is also intended to act as a focal point for local community events, with the authority estimating that around 1,500 residents will make use of the new facility.
Cllr Liz Saville Roberts, who leads education on the council, said: “I’m sure it will help raise teachers’ morale and children’s aspirations.
“It will also improve capacity in the primary schools’ reorganisation process.”
Arwel Jones, head teacher of Ysgol yr Hendre, added: “This has placed a great strain on the staff as they have strived to achieve ever higher standards.
“The new school building is just reward for their continued effort for pupils.”
The current building will be completely demolished and its land will be sold on the open market.
The council plans for the new school to open in 2011.