As Monmouthshire County Council celebrates St David’s Day, we are pleased to share a sneak peek into the plans of the new Welsh Medium primary school that will shortly be opening its doors in Monmouth. 

Ysgol Gymraeg Trefynwy will open its doors to the first pupils in September 2024, with the new school’s refurbished building scheduled for completion in 2025. The first students will use accommodation available in Overmonnow Primary School as the new school’s refurbished building is developed.

The new school will welcome pupils from Monmouth and the surrounding areas. To find out if you are in the catchment area for the new Welsh medium school or to find the nearest Welsh medium primary school to you, visit https://maps.monmouthshire.gov.uk/localinfo.aspx. School transport will be available for school age pupils who live more than 1.5 miles from the school and reside within the catchment area.

From September 2024, for one year only, Ysgol Gymraeg Trefynwy will offer full days for 3 and 4 year olds in line with the school opening hours.  From September 2025, there will be a Welsh medium Cylch Meithrin on the school site that is able to provide wrap around childcare for 3 and 4 year olds, as well as Flying Start childcare for 2 year olds, so the school nursery will then revert to part time sessions of 2 ½ hours a day.

Today, as we celebrate Welsh culture, we are happy to share a sneak peek at the plans for the new Welsh Medium primary school, which will be built on Rockfield Road.

At last night’s full council meeting (29 February), another milestone was reached in the opening of the new school, as it was confirmed that the school’s name will officially be Ysgol Gymraeg Trefynwy.

Creating a new Welsh medium provision in Monmouth is a crucial part of Monmouthshire County Council’s contribution to the Welsh Government’s strategy of creating one million Welsh speakers by 2050. While also achieving the targets set out in the Council’s Welsh Education Strategic Plan 22-32, which supports our broader strategy to grow the demand for Welsh medium education across the county.

It is well-known that children pick up new languages more quickly, and growing up bilingual will stand your child in good stead when they eventually enter the professional workplace. Full support will be available to children’s parents who don’t speak Welsh, allowing them to support their children throughout their school journey. 

Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, said:: “As Wales celebrates St David’s Day, it is fantastic to be able to share the first plans of the new school building with you. Ysgol Gymraeg Trefynwy will provide a fantastic opportunity for our younger residents to follow a Welsh medium education. I’m so proud to see the Welsh language numbers growing in Monmouthshire. The new school will allow us to provide a place to continue this growth for generations to come.” 

Robert Williams Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction said: “We’re very excited to be part of the team delivering what is an important new project for Monmouthshire, addressing the vital need for a new Welsh-medium school in the county.” 

 “Monmouthshire Council has developed an inspiring vision of what the school will offer and how it will serve the local community. The pre-construction services contract will see us work with partners including EPT Architects, Austin Partnership, SDS and other local schools to establish how we can make that vision a reality ahead of the 2025/26 school year. It is a privilege to be part of such an important project for Monmouthshire.”

If you are interested in registering your child at Ysgol Gymraeg Trefynwy, you can apply for places in Nursery, Reception and Year 1 today; please visit https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/applying-for-a-school-place/ or contact accesstolearning@monmouthshire.gov.uk.

The temporary governing body for the school has been established and is looking to appoint a headteacher in the coming weeks. Whilst developing policies for the new school, they will be working on the branding for the school, including school signage, logos and school uniform! For further information, please email Debbie Graves debbiegraves@monmouthshire.gov.uk / Cath Saunders cathsaunders@monmouthshire.gov.uk.

Further updates will also be available on https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/new-welsh-medium-provision-in-monmouth/.

Tags: Iaith Gymraeg, Monmouthshire, School, Sir Fynwy, welsh language, Ysgol