The highly anticipated new school building for Ysgol y Garnedd opens its doors this week and pupils are delighted to be taught in the high-standard building.

Ysgol y Garnedd Headteacher, Llion Williams, said: “The school has been providing the highest quality education and experiences over the last few years in very difficult physical conditions. Although the old building was homely and familiar, it was not ideal to meet the needs of 21st century education.

"The pupils, staff and Governors are looking forward to the exciting next phase of moving to the new Ysgol Y Garnedd building and the pupils are looking forward to settling into their new classrooms named after well-known mountains of Snowdonia. The teachers are really looking forward to taking advantage of the fantastic resources such as a dedicated music room, a cooking room, gym and hall.

“I would like to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who has realised this dream and achieved it at such a challenging time. We look forward to providing education and creating unforgettable experiences for the children of Ysgol Y Garnedd.”

The new school has been funded jointly by Gwynedd Council and the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme as part of a £12.7 million project to review primary education in Bangor. In addition to the newly built Ysgol y Garnedd, nearby Ysgol y Faenol is being extended and renovated as part of the same project, and construction work began earlier in the year.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams noted: “I am delighted that through the 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme we have been able to support the delivery of Ysgol y Garnedd and also the primary reorganisation of the Bangor area.

“It is important, especially in the early years, that we provide our children with the best learning environments, where staff have the best facilities in which to support their learners.

“Ysgol y Garnedd clearly does this and more, ensuring young children in the area have the strongest platform to inspire and nurture their abilities so they have the opportunity to reach their goals.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this project for its timely delivery, especially in these difficult times, and wish Mr Williams, his staff and all the children the very best of times in this fantastic new school building.”

Councillor Cemlyn Rees Williams, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Education added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to witness this project progress, and the end result is spectacular. It is clear to see that the children of Ysgol y Garnedd will benefit greatly from these modern facilities.

“Ysgol y Garnedd is an example of our ambition to improve resources and buildings to create a learning environment of the best possible quality and develop our schools into establishments that are central to community activity.”

Pupils were given a sneak peak of the new school before the half term holiday, having being unable to visit beforehand due to the COVID restrictions in place whilst in the construction phase.

Hanna, a year 6 pupil said: “When we went to the new school for a walk it was very special. The classes are huge compared to the old school. I'm really looking forward to starting there. My class is called ‘Yr Wyddfa’- I'm so excited!”

Cara, also a year 6 pupil added: “I’m looking forward to having more space in the new school. The new building is modern and colourful and I can’t wait to go there to learn and sit in my new classroom.”

In recent years, the increasing demand for places at Ysgol y Garnedd meant that the structure was no longer suitable, and the outdated building no longer fit for purpose. The new school boasts state of the art facilities suitable as a 21st century teaching and learning environment including a music room, outside classroom and community multi-use hall with the capacity for 420 pupils.

Sara, a year 5 pupil said: “I'm looking forward to going to the new school because it looks big and beautiful. Something else I am looking forward to is the netball court and the big hall to eat lunch and to have assembly every Tuesday and Wednesday.”

The contractors behind the impressive build is Read Construction, and Richard Smart, Contract Manager stated: “The whole team at Read are delighted to handover this prestigious project to our client. Despite challenges faced by the COVID19 pandemic, we have all worked collaboratively to deliver an exemplary 21st Century school environment for the pupils, teachers and wider community.”