Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #newschool, aggregated by home.social.
Prince Harry and Meghan move children to new school over security concerns
LONDON — Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have moved their two children to a new school over security concerns,…
#RoyalFamilies #Royal #Royals #Europe #Europa #EU #California #child #couple #decision #family #governmentcommittee #Meghan #Netflix #newschool #PrinceHarry #royal #RoyalFamily #royals #securityconcern #securityteam #spokesperson #statement #u.k.
https://www.europesays.com/3253135/
https://www.europesays.com/3253135/ Prince Harry and Meghan move children to new school over security concerns #California #child #couple #decision #family #GovernmentCommittee #Meghan #Netflix #NewSchool #PrinceHarry #royal #RoyalFamilies #RoyalFamily #royals #SecurityConcern #SecurityTeam #spokesperson #statement #UK
New school, new home: young olim begin the school year in Israel
NBN new olim, new school For six-year-old twins Miriam and Sophia Reinstein, starting school in Israel means starting…
#NewsBeep #News #BreakingNews #Aliyah #Backtoschool #breakingnews #firstaliyah #Israel #NefeshB'Nefesh #NewSchool
https://www.newsbeep.com/726109/
https://www.europesays.com/iran/286608/ New school, new home: young olim begin the school year in Israel #Aliyah #BackToSchool #FirstAliyah #Israel #NefeshB'Nefesh #NewSchool
https://www.europesays.com/videos/90321/ Watch Prince George, William and Harry’s first days at school #eton #EtonCollege #HarryMeghanNews #HarryNews #itv #ItvNews #NewSchool #PrinceGeorge #PrinceHarry #PrinceOfWales #PrinceWilliam #RoyalNews #RoyalUpdates
https://dissentmagazine.org/online_articles/new-school-fired-faculty-austerity/
>> Choked with corporate buzzwords, restructuring typically involves eliminating, combining, and rebranding programs and curricula to meet alleged student demand for new kinds of learning. Interdisciplinarity—once a cutting-edge effort to unsettle the boundaries between modes of knowledge—is now a cudgel to beat departments and jobs into extinction. Faculty themselves are drafted into this “visioning” (cue the PowerPoint) of bold futures defined by relentless “dynamism” and “innovation.” <<
Mistodon: this #newschool #asciiart logo, reading 'Unsociable', was drawn by Psychoholik and included in the unthemed MIST0822 artpack collection, released four years ago this month.
Urbanworld Festival to Accept AI-Generated Films for 30th Anniversary, Launches ‘UrbanworldAI’ in Partnership with NY’s New School (EXCLUSIVE)
#Variety #News #NewSchool #StacySpikes #Urbanworld
https://variety.com/2026/film/news/urbanworld-festival-accept-ai-films-30th-anniversary-1236781077/
Urbanworld Festival to Accept AI-Generated Films for 30th Anniversary, Launches ‘UrbanworldAI’ in Partnership with NY’s New School (EXCLUSIVE)
LLANELLI: ‘£35m black hole’ row erupts over Ysgol Heol Goffa funding — days after consultation opens
Parents being asked this month for their views on Llanelli’s promised £35m new special school have been caught in the middle of a political row — after a council meeting revealed the funding behind the project has not yet been signed off.
Labour claims a “£35m black hole” sits beneath the plans for the new Ysgol Heol Goffa after Carmarthenshire’s education cabinet member confirmed at Wednesday’s full council meeting that funding for the project has not yet been formally committed — by either the council or the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government.
Pressed in a supplementary question on the absence of ring-fenced funds for the school in the council’s capital budget, Cllr Glynog Davies told the chamber: “Well no, it hasn’t been confirmed, neither had it been confirmed in the past because that business case had not been presented and approved.
“But as I said, we have an excellent track record. I have confidence in the team of officers that we have in the department and those plans we present I can assure you are robust — and we are moving forward at pace, and once that business case is presented, we will get an affirmative answer I hope.”
In practical terms: the council pays a quarter of the cost and the Welsh Government three-quarters — but the government’s share is only confirmed once the council submits a detailed business case for the project, which has not yet happened. The council says that is the normal sequence and its track record of winning approval is strong; Labour’s fear is that “not yet confirmed” becomes “not affordable”, as it did when the last version of this school was scrapped in 2024.
On Friday — two days after the chamber exchange — Cllr Davies went further, issuing a statement branding Labour’s claims “unfounded” and giving parents a direct assurance that the school will be built.
“Work on designing the larger 150 pupil school on a new site is well advanced, so I can assure parents, staff and learners that there is no intention to pull out now,” he said. “Changing government in Cardiff has no bearing on this, because government funding depends on presenting the full business case, which will happen shortly.”
He accused Labour councillors of misrepresenting the process “for cheap political purposes” — saying it was “reprehensible” for them “to cause unnecessary distress on this issue”.
The school for pupils with additional learning needs has had a turbulent decade. A replacement for the ageing building was first pledged ten years ago — before the council scrapped the plans in May 2024 citing rising costs, prompting a campaign by parents, unions and town councillors that gathered a petition of more than 9,000 signatures.
The council re-committed in June 2025, and a month later approved a £35m, 150-place school near Ysgol Pen Rhos, with a planned opening of September 2029 — though a question mark over the funding followed the new Plaid Cymru Welsh Government into office. The formal consultation on the project opened this week.
The funding question was raised at Wednesday’s meeting first by Cllr Rob James — the council’s former Labour group leader, who defected to the Greens and stood for the party in May’s Senedd election — before Labour opposition group leader Cllr Deryk Cundy pressed the administration on whether the Welsh Government would guarantee the 75 per cent contribution towards the build that he said had previously been allocated.
Answering in Welsh through the chamber’s simultaneous translation service, Cllr Davies said the council was working closely with the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning programme — and that the government had approved the council’s strategic outline programme in summer 2024, which included a project for additional learning needs in Llanelli, with Heol Goffa “viewed as part of that review”.
“Every project is subject to an individual business case approval,” he said. “We as a county have a very good track record for these schemes that we present. With special schools, as in this case, a 75 per cent contribution from the government — but this is dependent on the final business case. We haven’t got to that stage yet.”
Switching to English, he added: “And I have to correct you, Deryk — the former Labour government had not given the guaranteed allocation to the previous Heol Goffa project. But we will continue to work constructively with Welsh Government as we have done in the past to present a strong and robust case for investment.”
Earlier in the meeting, responding to Cllr James, the cabinet member said the council had invested £500,000 in the school in summer 2024 on top of its delegated budget, that pupil numbers remained “within an appropriate capacity” — and that the school “is not currently considered to be overcrowded”.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Cundy said there had been “written confirmation of a 75% top up from the previous Labour Welsh Government, awaiting the request for funds, which was never received from the County Council” — and that since the change of government in Cardiff, “this has not been ratified”. Cllr Davies had rejected the premise in the chamber, telling him the former Labour government “had not given the guaranteed allocation” to the previous project.
“Clearly, despite all the public fanfares, no money has been actually committed to the new Ysgol Heol Goffa,” Cllr Cundy said. “My biggest fear is that Plaid will claim again — at some point in the future — that it doesn’t have enough money to proceed with the new school, as they have in the past.”
Llanelli Labour town councillor and longstanding campaigner Shaun Greaney said the school community would be “devastated” if the funding position set out in the chamber was correct.
“How can they treat the Ysgol Heol Goffa community in such an awful way yet again?” he said. “Don’t they believe Ysgol Heol Goffa pupils deserve equality? Personally, I think they are a disgrace and should all resign.”
Labour county councillor Martyn Palfreman said pupils, parents and staff had been “badly let down”, accusing the Plaid-led council of “putting Llanelli last”.
But a markedly different account emerged from a briefing held for parents and governors on the same morning as the council meeting — attended by Reform UK county councillor Michelle Beer.
Cllr Beer said the session with the council’s director of education Owain Lloyd had been “positive and constructive”, with initial visual designs for the new school shared and “reassurance provided on a number of key issues” — and encouraged families to take part in the consultation.
The exchange comes amid wider pressure over provision at the school — with Llanelli Town Council recently backing calls for a dedicated school nurse, an issue that earlier this year drew the intervention of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.
For families, the practical reality is this: the consultation is genuine and open until Tuesday 21 July, the designs exist, the cabinet member says there is “no intention to pull out now” — but the money that builds it rides on a business case that is yet to be written, and the date every parent is holding onto is September 2029. Have your say on the proposals here.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
LLANELLI: £35m new Ysgol Heol Goffa to open in 2029 after years of uncertainty — but funding question hangs over Plaid Cymru government
Our report from May — when the funding question first followed the new government into office.
LLANELLI: Consultation opens on £35m Ysgol Heol Goffa rebuild — two years after council scrapped the last one
The consultation now open to families — and how to take part.
LLANELLI: Town councillors to vote on motion demanding dedicated nurse for special school
The campaign for a dedicated nurse at Ysgol Heol Goffa.
CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONER STEPS IN: Watchdog demands meeting with health board over special school nurse crisis
When the watchdog intervened over the school’s nurse provision earlier this year.
#Austerity Crap Hits the #NewSchool in #NYC, as staff & fac are cut
New School quietly hires controversial professor who led anti-Israel campus protests
The woke New School claimed it wanted its Jewish students to feel safe, but the school recently hired…
#NewsBeep #News #BreakingNews #breakingnews #campus #funding #Israel #Metro #NewSchool #students #USNews
https://www.newsbeep.com/541994/
https://www.europesays.com/iran/116799/ New School quietly hires controversial professor who led anti-Israel campus protests #campus #funding #Israel #Metro #NewSchool #students #UsNews
https://www.europesays.com/iran/95448/ TNS student senate cuts ties with Hillel chapter over trips to Israel #CAIR #Hillel #Israel #JewishVoiceForPeace #NewSchool #NewYorkCity #ProPalestinianGroups #ZohranMamdani
TNS student senate cuts ties with Hillel chapter over trips to Israel
The New School University’s student government voted on Friday to suspend funding and collaboration with the New York…
#NewsBeep #News #BreakingNews #breakingnews #CAIR #Hillel #Israel #JewishVoiceforPeace #NewSchool #NewYorkCity #Pro-Palestiniangroups #ZohranMamdani
https://www.newsbeep.com/517536/
Moved Kids From US to Spain; Going Better Than Expected, Surprises
Everyone said the same thing when my husband and I shared our plans to move from Connecticut to…
#Spain #ES #Europe #Europa #EU #boy #dayfestivity #friend #husband #kid #languagebarrier #month #move #newschool #peer #spanish #time #US #way
https://www.europesays.com/spain/6977/
Moved Kids From US to Spain; Going Better Than Expected, Surprises https://www.byteseu.com/1947207/ #boy #business #DayFestivity #friend #husband #kid #LanguageBarrier #month #move #NewSchool #peer #Spain #spanish #time #US #way
Tonight is some Morton Feldman with the JACK Quartet and Amy Williams
I am hoping that tonight's performance of Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time will not prove prescient
AMMANFORD: Questions raised over future of school land as council stays silent
A Carmarthenshire councillor is demanding answers over land purchased for a new school in Ammanford, after years of promises with no sign of building work on the horizon.
Carmarthenshire County Council confirmed in 2023 — following questions from Green Party councillor Rob James — that it had bought land for a new school in the town, with Welsh-medium provision described as a priority. At the time the purchase was seen as a significant step forward after more than a decade of discussion about modernising education in the area.
But despite the land acquisition, there has been no public update on when — or whether — a school will actually be built there.
Recent council decisions have focused on reconfiguring nursery provision within existing schools, with no corresponding announcement on the new build. That silence has prompted Cllr James to write formally to the Cabinet Member for Education seeking answers.
He wants the council to confirm whether it still owns the land, whether the project remains active, and whether alternative brownfield sites have been fully considered as part of a sustainable approach to development.
Cllr James, who is also the Welsh Green Party‘s Senedd candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said residents had been hearing about new school plans in Ammanford for years without seeing any results.
“The council has even gone as far as purchasing land, yet there is still no clear timeline for when a new school will be built,” he said. “People deserve to know what is happening with the land that has been purchased and whether this long-promised investment is still going ahead.”
The Green councillor said the condition of existing school buildings made the lack of progress all the more frustrating.
“Having visited the schools in Ammanford, I know that the environment in which pupils are being taught in is not fit for purpose,” he said.
The need to modernise education provision in Ammanford has been recognised since at least the early 2010s, when proposals for new and reorganised schools first featured in the council’s Modernising Education Programme. More than a decade on, the community is still waiting for a clear plan — and Carmarthenshire is not alone in facing questions about the future of its schools, with rural communities across the county facing the threat of closures as the council presses ahead with its wider modernisation programme.
Cllr James has form for holding the council to account on infrastructure and investment. He has previously challenged transport plans he said left west Wales communities behind, and the Ammanford area has featured in broader debates about investment in the region’s towns and transport links.
Cllr James said the issue was ultimately one of transparency and accountability.
“After more than a decade of discussion, the community deserves clear answers,” he said.
Carmarthenshire County Council has responded to say that they are not able to provide a comment to Swansea Bay News on this during the pre-election period for May’s Senedd election
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Rural schools under threat: Carmarthenshire communities face piecemeal closures as council defends tough decisions
Carmarthenshire communities have been fighting to keep local schools open as the council presses ahead with its modernisation programme.
Future of Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen town centres set out in new plans
New plans set out the council’s vision for the future of Carmarthenshire’s main town centres.
Metro row: Carmarthenshire councillor blasts ‘Swansea-centric’ transport vision
Cllr Rob James challenged transport plans he said left west Wales communities behind.
Labour candidate backs metro link to Ammanford and Llanelli as debate grows over west Wales transport
The debate over transport investment in west Wales intensified as candidates staked out their positions.
Former Carmarthenshire Labour leader defects to Green Party
A high-profile defection boosted the Green Party’s growing presence in Carmarthenshire politics.
https://www.alojapan.com/1463184/kadena-hs-ms-mendoza-12th-grade/ Kadena HS, Ms. Mendoza, 12th grade #deployment #dodea #DodeaPacific #KadenaHighSchool #MakingFriends #MilitaryBrat #MilitaryChild #MilitaryChildren #MilitaryFamily #momc #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild #moving #NewSchool #news #Okinawa #OkinawaNews #pcs #school #StarsAndStripes #StarsAndStripesMomc #StarsAndStripesMonthlyOfTheMilitaryChild #Students #transfers #沖縄 I’d do it all over again (Tiffany Padgett, Kadena High School Senior) Growi
DJ Rubber - Elektronensturm 10
https://soundcloud.com/dj_rubber/elektronensturm-10
#electro #e-l-e-k-t-r-o #djmix #electromix #vocoder #oldschool #newschool
#Newschool where 'every pupil will feel understood'
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/uk.html#lpool_echo
Xi's article on key tasks of #China's current economic
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/cities.html#102a
#Tangier Begins Return of Evacuated Residents After
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/world-capitals.html#Rabat
#Trump Netanyahu #Iran Oil #China Deal Discussed in Talks
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/world-capitals.html#Brussels
#US military preparing for potentially weeks-long #Iran
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/world-capitals.html#Kathmandu
#Iraq’s #US dollar exchange rate increases slightly
https://kensbookinfo.blogspot.com/p/world-capitals.html#Bagdad
New School Opens in City Center
https://newsletter.tf/new-school-city-center-opening/
A new school for young children has opened in the city center. It will help families find good places for their kids to learn and play.
New School Opens in City Center
A new school has opened its doors in the city center today. It is designed for young children and offers a safe place for them to learn and grow. Parents can now find another option for their children's education.
New School Opens in City Center
https://newsletter.tf/new-school-city-center-opening/
A new school for young children has opened in the city center. It will help families find good places for their kids to learn and play.
New School Opens in City Center
A new school has opened its doors in the city center today. It is designed for young children and offers a safe place for them to learn and grow. Parents can now find another option for their children's education.
Epstein Used Cash to Wield His Influence at Columbia and N.Y.U.
Green light for £30m rebuild of Llangatwg Community School as council approves major new campus
The project will see the existing school replaced with a modern, purpose‑built English‑medium campus designed for up to 850 pupils, including specialist provision for learners with additional needs.
The new building will be constructed on the current site, but the council says the difference in quality will be “transformational”, with a focus on flexible teaching spaces, sustainability and facilities that can be used by the wider community.
The plans include state‑of‑the‑art classrooms, science labs, IT suites, a learning resource centre and roof‑terrace teaching areas. A new sports hall, performance hall, vocational workshops and conference rooms form part of the design, alongside extensive outdoor facilities including two sports pitches, three multi‑use games areas and a forest school.
Artist’s impression of the new Llangatwg schoolThe campus will also feature a greenhouse, an outdoor amphitheatre and dedicated food‑growing areas, with the council emphasising the school’s role as a community hub. New bus, car and taxi drop‑off zones, EV charging points and accessible parking are also included.
Council officers say the design has been shaped around sustainability and energy efficiency, with ecology, landscaping and drainage specialists involved from the outset. The project complies with the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning standards, which require modern, low‑carbon, future‑proofed school buildings.
Cllr Nia Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Education & Early Years, said planning approval marked a major milestone.
Artist’s impression of the new Llangatwg school“Securing planning approval means we can now move forward with delivering a state‑of‑the‑art learning environment for pupils at the school,” she said. “This investment will provide modern, inclusive and sustainable facilities that not only support excellent teaching and learning but also benefit the wider community.”
The council says the rebuild forms part of a wider multi‑million‑pound programme to upgrade schools across Neath Port Talbot, delivered jointly with the Welsh Government.
Construction timelines and phasing details are expected to be confirmed later this year.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Swansea to train the UK’s next tech experts as £18m semiconductor centre launches
A major new skills hub aims to put Swansea at the forefront of the UK’s tech future.
Fresh images reveal major revamp planned for Bryn Tawe
New visuals show how the Swansea secondary school could be transformed.
Blaenymaes–Portmead ‘super school’ merger takes step forward
Plans progress for a major primary school merger in west Swansea.
Statutory closure notice issued for Ysgol Llansteffan
Carmarthenshire Council moves ahead with plans to close the village school.
The New School Seeks Path to Survival Amid Falling Enrollment and Money Woes
https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/nyregion/new-school-nyc-cuts.html
Fresh images reveal major revamp planned for Bryn Tawe
What’s proposed
Design documents released this month reveal how Bryn Tawe could be reshaped as part of Swansea Council’s multi‑million pound schools improvement programme.
At the heart of the scheme is a new detached teaching block to the north of the site. The building would provide modern classrooms, specialist provision for pupils with additional learning needs, and a dedicated sixth form centre.
The school’s entrance would be remodelled with a new reception, while circulation routes across the campus are redesigned to ease congestion. Parking would be expanded for both the school and neighbouring Penlan Leisure Centre, reflecting the site’s role as a community hub.
Sports facilities are also in line for a major upgrade, with the existing multi‑use games area replaced by a floodlit pitch. Landscaping across the grounds would be refreshed, creating new social spaces for pupils.
Artist’s impression of the new Ysgol Bryn Tawe buildingsWhy now
The Design and Access Statement highlights rising demand for Welsh‑medium education in Swansea, with Bryn Tawe expected to need space for hundreds more pupils in the coming years. The new block would provide capacity for up to 248 additional places.
Council chiefs say the redevelopment is part of the national Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, backed by Welsh Government funding, which aims to deliver modern, energy‑efficient schools across Wales.
Civic voices
Council Leader Rob Stewart has previously described the wider programme as “a major step forward for education in Swansea,” stressing that investment in modern facilities is vital to give pupils the best start in life.
Local politicians have also pointed to the civic impact of Bryn Tawe’s plans, with improved access and upgraded sports facilities expected to benefit both pupils and the wider community.
Next steps
The proposals are currently out for public consultation, with responses invited until mid‑January. A full planning application is expected to follow.
If approved, Bryn Tawe’s redevelopment would join other major school projects already moving forward across Swansea — part of a multi‑million pound investment designed to future‑proof education in the city.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Multi-million pound Swansea school improvement project set for step forward
Council confirmed Bryn Tawe was among schools earmarked for investment in 2024.
More than 500 pupils to move into new Swansea school next week
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tirdeunaw opened its £11.5m new build for Welsh-medium learners.
The results are in! A-Level students find out how they’ve done
Local schools celebrated exam success, highlighting the importance of investment in education facilities.
Võ sĩ Kazakhstan Mukhammed Amantayev gây chấn động giới võ thuật Trung Quốc sau khi đánh bại cao thủ Thông Bối Quyền và thành lập môn phái riêng. Động thái này được xem như lời thách thức trực tiếp tới "võ lâm" Hoa Hạ, làm dấy lên tranh cãi về uy tín võ thuật truyền thống.
#VõThuật #Kazakhstan #TrungQuốc #MônPháiMới #TháchĐấu
#MartialArts #China #Kazakhstan #NewSchool #KungFuChallenge
https://vtcnews.vn/vo-si-kazakhstan-lap-mon-phai-khieu-chien-vo-lam-trung-quoc-ar986869.html
Minister agrees to visit Godre’r Graig school after six years in portacabins
Pupils at the school have been taught in temporary portacabins miles from their community since the original building was closed and demolished in 2019. Despite a funding application for a replacement school being submitted by Neath Port Talbot Council, no decision has yet been made — and Welsh Government officials are reportedly assessing the proposal as if it were for a brand-new school.
“This isn’t a new school — it already exists”
Raising the issue in the Senedd this week, Sioned Williams MS, who represents South Wales West, urged the Cabinet Secretary to meet with school leaders and “understand the exceptional context” of the application.
“What is of concern to me is the impact on the many learners at Godre’r Graig School who have never been educated in a permanent school building in their own community,” she said. “This isn’t a ‘new school’ — the school already exists.”
Ms Neagle confirmed she was “very happy to visit the school,” and acknowledged the wider impact of the situation on Welsh suppliers and families.
Community frustration grows over delays
The funding application is being considered under the Sustainable Communities for Learning Nine-Year Rolling Programme, but concerns have been raised about the criteria being applied. A letter from Welsh Government officials reportedly referenced the impact a “new school” could have on pupil numbers at neighbouring schools — but not the disruption already affecting Godre’r Graig pupils.
David Chadwick MP, Liberal Democrat Member for the area, has also written to the Cabinet Secretary urging urgent action:
“Five years after its closure, pupils are still being taught in temporary offsite portacabins. These facilities are not suitable for long-term education, and parents continue to raise concerns about uncomfortable temperatures and extended daily travel.”
He called for clarity on the timeline for reviewing the application, the criteria being used, and whether any interim support would be offered to improve current learning conditions.
Rejected super school plan still casts a shadow
The original proposal to merge schools in the Swansea Valley into a single “super school” was overwhelmingly rejected by the local community in 2021. Campaigners argued that the plan would strip three communities of their local primary schools, including Godre’r Graig.
With the demolition of the original building now complete, campaigners say the lack of a permanent replacement risks undermining the future of a successful school — and leaving a generation of learners without a stable, community-based education.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
‘Shameful’ answer from First Minister on replacement for demolished Swansea Valley school
Senedd response sparks anger over lack of progress on permanent school rebuild.
Council to discuss multimillion-pound school building plans
Neath Port Talbot outlines future investment in education infrastructure.
Swansea Valley super school plan rejected
Community campaign succeeds in stopping controversial school merger.
‘Listen to the people’: NPT Council urged to reject plans to close Swansea Valley schools
Parents and campaigners call for protection of local education provision.
#DavidChadwickMP #education #GodreRgraig #GodreRGraigPrimarySchool #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #newSchool #Pontardawe #portacabin #SionedWilliamsMS #SwanseaValley #WelshGovernment
New school plans for Ysgol Heol Goffa move forward after years of uncertainty
A school long described as “not fit for purpose”
Ysgol Heol Goffa, which supports children with additional learning needs, has been at the centre of one of Carmarthenshire’s most high‑profile education battles. Built for fewer than 100 pupils, the school is now stretched to accommodate nearly 150, with parents and staff warning for years that the building is overcrowded and inadequate.
In July, school governor Owen Jenkins told councillors the existing site was simply “not fit for purpose”, adding:
“Our pupils deserve the provision that they are entitled to. We’ll be pressing the local authority for a rigid timescale so we can know when the first spade will go into the ground.”
📅 Timeline: The fight for a new Heol Goffa school
2017
Council first commits to a £10m replacement school.
2023
Plans scrapped due to rising costs. Campaigners brand the decision “an appalling scandal” and launch protests.
Early 2024
Independent review warns the council risks breaching duties under the Additional Learning Needs Act.
July 2025
Cabinet approves a new 150‑pupil school, costed between £28m and £35m. Families welcome the decision but demand a clear timescale.
October 2025
Council officers present the schedule of accommodation to school leaders. Feedback will shape the final design and costings.
Years of delay and community anger
The promise of a new school dates back to 2017, when the council first committed to a £10m replacement. But the scheme was later cancelled as costs rose, sparking anger across Llanelli.
Campaigners branded the decision “an appalling scandal”, while more than 9,000 people signed a petition demanding action. Parents staged protests outside County Hall, and local MP Dame Nia Griffith accused the authority of failing some of the county’s most vulnerable children.
Parents and supporters outside County Hall in Carmarthen with “Save Ysgol Heol Goffa” banners, calling for a new school to be built.Cabinet backs a £35m new build
After months of pressure, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet voted in July 2025 to approve a new school for up to 150 pupils, at an estimated cost of between £28m and £35m.
Education cabinet member Glynog Davies described the new plan as “a much better outcome for pupils, parents and staff”, arguing that a 150‑pupil school was more achievable than the larger 250‑pupil option previously considered.
Parents Lana and Alex Dakin, whose son Jac attends the school, said they were relieved:
“It won’t undo the years our son has spent in a building that can’t meet his needs, but at least now there’s hope he’ll experience some of his school years in a setting that truly supports him.”
Headteacher Ceri Hopkins also welcomed the decision, saying the new setting would support the school’s “courageous and creative curriculum” by meeting all learning, physical and medical needs.
Latest update: design work shared
On 2 October, council officers met with the school’s Chair and Headteacher to present the schedule of accommodation for the new build. The school will now provide feedback before the design and costings are finalised.
Once agreed, the plans will move into a detailed timeline covering planning approval, statutory consultation under the School Organisation Code, and the Welsh Government’s business case process.
The Director of Education has also pledged to meet with the wider school community after the autumn half‑term break to share more details and answer questions.
“A centre of excellence”
In a joint statement, Owain Lloyd, Director of Education, and Headteacher Ceri Hopkins said:
“We remain committed to working closely to design, build and create a centre of excellence for the very well‑deserving pupils of Ysgol Heol Goffa.”
Families still cautious
Council leader Darren Price has described the project as “a really positive day” for education in Llanelli, but admitted the process will take time: “You don’t build a school overnight.”
For families and campaigners, today’s update is a welcome sign of progress — but after eight years of delays, reversals and political rows, they remain determined to hold the council to its word.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Campaigners condemn “appalling scandal” over autism provision in Llanelli
Parents and campaigners hit out after the council scrapped plans for a new Heol Goffa school.
5,000‑name petition on new special needs school U‑turn handed to council
Thousands backed calls for Carmarthenshire Council to reverse its decision on Heol Goffa.
Plans revealed for replacement Heol Goffa special school on former Draka Works site
Early proposals showed how a new school could be built on the former cable works site in Llanelli.
#additionalLearningNeeds #Autism #CarmarthenshireCouncil #education #Llanelli #newSchool #specialSchool #YsgolHeolGoffa
“Shameful” answer from First Minister on replacement for demolished Swansea Valley school
School closed over landslide risk
Godre’r Graig Primary was shut in July 2019 after a geotechnical report identified a medium risk of landslide from a quarry spoil tip above the playground. Pupils were moved into portable classrooms near Cwmtawe Community School in Pontardawe, more than three miles away. The original building has since been demolished.
Neath Port Talbot Council has submitted an application to Welsh Government for funding to build a replacement school. But uncertainty over the bid, and how it is being assessed, has raised concerns among staff and parents about the school’s long‑term future.
Clash in the Senedd
Raising the issue in the Senedd on Tuesday (30 September), South Wales West MS Sioned Williams said correspondence seen by the school suggested the application was being treated as if it were for a brand‑new school, rather than a replacement forced by “the scars of our industrial legacy.”
In response, the First Minister said:
“Well, my understanding is that the Plaid council blocked the new school proposal, and that is something that you may want to reflect on.”
The remark referred to the previous Labour administration’s controversial “super school” plan, which would have merged Godre’r Graig with Alltwen and Llangiwg primaries on a new site at Parc Ynysderw, Pontardawe. That proposal was overturned by the council’s new rainbow coalition in 2022 following strong community opposition.
“Children deserved a better response”
Speaking afterwards, Ms Williams said:
“The children, staff and community of Godre’rgraig deserved a better response to their situation than that given by the First Minister today.
This building was closed through no fault of the school, its staff or its pupils but rather the scars of our industrial legacy – that are continuing to impact our children to this day.
It was shameful to see the First Minister play politics with the future of Godre’r Graig Primary School without even trying to answer my question about the need to recognise the exceptional circumstances that led to the school requiring a new building.”
She confirmed she will be writing to the First Minister to demand a “substantive response more befitting of her office.”
Related articles
Neath Port Talbot Council scraps controversial proposal to merge three primaries into one new ‘super school’ at Pontardawe.
Cabinet members consider major investment in new and replacement schools across the borough.
Key vote scheduled on whether to proceed with merging Alltwen, Godre’r Graig and Llangiwg primaries.
Sioned Williams MS warns the proposals would damage community life and Welsh language provision.
New coalition leadership re-examines the controversial education project after local backlash.
Officers recommend approval for a £22m single-site school at Parc Ynysderw, Pontardawe.
Proposals outlined to merge Godre’r Graig, Alltwen and Llangiwg primaries into a single new build.
#coalTipSafety #CwmtaweCommunitySchool #ElunedMorganMS #FirstMinister #GodreRgraig #GodreRGraigPrimarySchool #landslide #landslideRisk #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #newSchool #PlaidCymru #Pontardawe #quarryTip #SionedWilliamsMS #superSchool #SwanseaValley #WelshGovernment #WelshLabour
Updated plans unveiled for new Mynydd Cynffig Primary School
The updated planning application is now with the Local Planning Authority. Officials say the revisions reflect comments received during consultation and align with the latest planning and environmental guidance.
The new two‑storey building would replace the existing junior department site, bringing all year groups together on a single campus. Designed to be Net Zero Carbon in operation, the school will feature modern learning environments including an indoor learning plaza, main hall, studio hall, outdoor play areas and all‑weather pitches.
Key changes in the revised plans include:
Facilities will also include cycle storage, electric vehicle charging points, and secure allotments with 26 individual plots. The school’s sports and hall facilities will be available for use by community groups.
Cllr Martyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Services, said: “It’s pleasing to see that the school modernisation plans for Mynydd Cynffig Primary School reflect our ambition of not only providing the very best learning environment for our pupils, but also meeting the needs of our local community.
“The school will be a modern, sustainable and inspiring facility that will benefit both learners and the wider community for many years to come.”
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Tender process set to begin for new‑build Mynydd Cynffig Primary School
Council confirms procurement stage for the long‑awaited redevelopment project.
Plans for a new Kenfig Hill primary school and allotments move a step closer
Revised proposals include new allotments and community facilities alongside the school build.
Council to ‘reluctantly’ take legal action against allotment holders
Dispute continues as allotment tenants resist relocation to make way for the new school.
#BridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #CllrMartynJones #education #KenfigHill #MynyddCynffigPrimarySchool #newSchool #UpdatedMynyddCynffigPrimaryPlans
Calls for major rebuild as more than 700 building faults uncovered at Tenby’s Ysgol Greenhill
School faces infrastructure crisis despite academic progress
A report to Pembrokeshire County Council’s Schools & Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee this week warns that extensive building improvements — or even a completely new school — may be required at Ysgol Greenhill, Tenby.
The secondary school, which educates around 900 pupils, has been led by headteacher David Haynes since 2021. Under his leadership, the school was removed from special measures in 2024 following significant improvements in teaching and leadership.
But despite the academic turnaround, councillors are being told that the physical condition of the school is now a major concern.
Over 700 faults identified
An inspection by the Schools Scrutiny Panel in July found more than 700 building defects, ranging from structural issues to maintenance failures.
Emergency works began in May 2025, with a contract worth more than £0.5m awarded for urgent repairs. The council has said every effort is being made to minimise disruption to teaching and exams while the work continues.
Concerns raised by pupils and staff
During the panel visit, both staff and pupils highlighted the poor state of the premises, though acknowledged that construction work was underway at the time.
The report also noted:
Praise for leadership but call for long‑term plan
The panel praised Mr Haynes’ “strong leadership” and the school’s strengthened cluster partnerships, particularly with Narberth CP School on Welsh language development.
However, councillors are being advised to prioritise long‑term funding and strategic planning for the site, including the possibility of a new school build.
The report also recommends:
Background: urgent works already underway
According to Pembrokeshire County Council, urgent structural works began in May 2025 and are expected to continue into the new academic year. Parents were informed directly by the headteacher, with assurances that safety and learning continuity remain the priority.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
£420m school plan for Blaenymaes and Portmead sparks row
Swansea Council approves plans for a new school, but governors at Portmead raise strong objections to amalgamation.
Carway Primary School to remain closed this September
Pupils moved to Gwynfryn School after structural safety concerns force the closure of Carway Community Primary.
Plans unveiled for new pre‑16 Vocational Centre in Port Talbot
Former Victorian school building could be transformed into a bilingual hub offering hands‑on training and career pathways.
More education news
Catch up on the latest school, college and university stories from across South West Wales.
#buildingDefect #education #GreenhillSchool #newSchool #PembrokeshireCouncil #reading #SchoolAttendance #SchoolsLearningOverviewAndScrutinyCommittee #specialMeasures #Tenby #WelshLanguage
feminist-arty-eco summerschool in Kopice (70 km from Germany, 1 km from the Baltic Sea :) free to share this with anyone interested in sound art, open source programming, eco art, activism and more! #summerschool #newschool nowaszkola.org/summer-schoo... in solidarity
The computer art festival and multi-platform demo party "Edison" will take place this year in central Stockholm (Sweden) on board the M/S Borgila from 18 - 20 July. The two-day event offers competitions in programming, graphics and music as well as a social gathering.
Plans revealed for Port Talbot eco-school
Planning consultants Asbri Planning have released the details as part of a pre-planning consultation with the local community, ahead of the council submitting a formal planning application.
The proposals call for the demolition of the existing primary school and Tir Morfa Centre, and construction of a new school incorporating community facilities, a sports pitch and play areas, as well as highway and access improvements to the site.
The school will be packed with energy efficient technology including a ground source heat pump system and photovoltaic panels.
Plans say the use of carbon intensive materials will be discouraged where practicable in favour of natural and renewable materials and the use of recycled materials, where appropriate, will be encouraged.
It’s proposed that the new school will include a Welsh Language Immersion Unit and Community Hub delivering a range of educational and community services provided by Neath Port Talbot Council, partner organisations and voluntary groups.
AdvertisementThe school design is part of the Welsh Government’s ‘Sustainable Schools Challenge’ and have been designed with help from school pupils.
Neath Port Talbot Council declined to comment on the proposal until a decision on planning approval has been made.
The consultation on the plans for new school is open on Asbri Planning’s website until 16 April 2025.
(Lead image: Asbri Planning)
Advertisement#construction #education #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #newSchool #PortTalbot #Sandfields #YsgolGynraddGymraegRhosafan
Scheduled for Apr 30, 2025:
For years the music of Sun Ra was only available to those brave enough to spend time in his Arkestra. A master composer, arranger, bandleader and pianist, Sun Ra's works are overdue for critical attention by music students. Sun Ra compositions give students a range of challenges with music of odd intervals covering territory from ballads to swing and beyond.
In the #SunRaEnsemble class, compositions are rehearsed in a very unusual big band format. They are presented in a unique style, which offers an understanding of the philosophical underpinnings that gave rise to the music. His lyrics, speaking of space travel and a planet without cemeteries, will challenge students to expand their horizons and understanding of art music.
The multi-disciplinary vision that combines poetry, music, and dance with lyrics, characteristic of the Sun Ra legacy, will be afforded opportunity to develop within this ensemble class.
#NewSchool was founded on anti-#fascist principles so where are the anti-#Trump protests?
Two views of NFL Ownership! The “get out of the way” model #oldschool vs. the “meddling” approach. #newschool👇🏾 https://x.com/lawsnation/sta…
CYBERPUNK ROAD KING vs. ÜBERHEFTIGE ROAD GLIDE! - BATTLE OF BIKES #3
https://themotorbikechannel.com/cyberpunk-road-king-vs-uberheftige-road-glide-battle-of-bikes-3/?feed_id=12848&_unique_id=67070b4e0d701
Source: CYBERPUNK ROAD KING vs. ÜBERHEFT...
#streetbob #bob #custom #davidson #fabian #fabianflex #flex #gegen #harley #HarleyDavidson #harleydavidson #king #new #newschool #old #oldschool #oldschool #road #roadglide #roadking #roadglide #school #street #StreetBob #umbau #versus #vs
OLD SCHOOL SPORTSTER gegen GIFTGRÜNE STREET BOB! - BATTLE OF BIKES #1
Source: OLD SCHOOL SPORTSTER gegen GIFTG...
#streetbob #1997 #97 #97er #bob #davidson #harley #HarleyDavidson #harleydavidson #hulk #melissa #new #newschool #old #oldschool #oldschool #pat #school #sportster #street #StreetBob
#StudentSpring #StudentIntifada for #Palestine is #StudentSummer
#NewSchool: "🚨 BREAKING! A group of autonomous New School community members consisting of students, staff, and faculty have de-occupied (sic) the 301 Residence Hall! 🚨
Their demands of #TheNewSchool #TNS are as follows:
[Text in Alt]
All out to the 301 Residence Hall, located at 301 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003" https://t.me/tns4gaza/58 @palestine @israel
#NewSchool #Palestine #Solidarity #Protest..
This targeted #vandalism occurred early this morning NY time.
#TNS has blood on its hands. Full text in alt.
https://t.me/tns4gaza/55
Faculty Solidarity Encampment at #NewSchool.
"🚨FACULTY AT THE NEW SCHOOL HAVE SET UP THE REFAAT ALAREER SOLIDARITY ENCAMPMENT🚨
AFTER THE BRUTAL ARREST OF OVER 40 TNS STUDENTS, THE FIRST FACULTY ENCAMPMENT ON TURTLE ISLAND HAS BEGUN ‼️
ALL OUT TO TNS (63 5TH AVENUE)
DISCLOSE, DIVEST, WE WILL NOT STOP WE WILL NOT REST 🇵🇸🥁‼️"
#StudentSpring https://t.me/tns4gaza/34
From #TheGuardian
Pro-#Palestinian protesters arrested at #NewYorkUniversity and #NewSchool
Thirteen arrested at #NYU and 43 at New School, NYPD says, as encampments cleared
#DefendStudentProtesters #DivestFromIsraelNow #SolidarityWithPalestine #NotAntisemitism #StopGazaGenocide #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow #LetGazaLive #EndUSAidToIsrael #EndTheOccupation #PalestinianLivesMatter #StopArmingIsrael #Gaza #Israel #Palestine #DontStopSharing
#news #press @palestine @israel
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/03/college-gaza-protests-nyu?CMP=share_btn_url
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flTkLpaEcbw
#DemocracyNow #news 30 April 2024
* #NorthCarolina #Chapelhilll morning raid of encampment. Arrested 25 approx
*The #NewSchool in #NYC: Protest expanded by occupying the lobby of#ParsonSchoolOfDesign
* #FashionSchoolOfTechnology continue their encampment
*New encampments at #UniversityOfChicago and #UniversityOfOregon
Gestern durfte ich einen Impuls zu #newschool beitragen. Experten, Praktiker und Interessierte kamen zusammen, um Ideen auszutauschen, Best Practices zu teilen und gemeinsam an der Gestaltung der Bildung von morgen zu arbeiten. Es war ein Fest! #lernraumentwicklung #schulbau #BNE
Прошло 6 лет, а всё так же осталось. #rap #hiphop #trap #music #trapmusic #newschool #2018
we don't talk enough about how "#NewSchool" #HipHop is almost 25 years old.
@pboivin Blogs are arguably #newschool after the crash and burn state of certain social media sites. I don’t even know if my site has feeds… why yes it does, but not at a common url. Discoverable though from the headers. Looking forward to your blog!
@neilhimself submitted a short speech to the #NewSchool alternate graduation: https://mastodon.social/@neilhimself/110399018366877072. He did not use any of the words "#trans", "#LGBTQ", etc.
My latest #BatCave #Darkwave #Goth mix -- Release The Bats Volume 2! Enjoy!
#MixCloud #Playlist #GothicMusic #OldSchool #NewSchool
#13thChime
#XmalDeutschland
#TheCemeteryGirlz
#InfiniteVoid
#PlastiqueNoir
#Belgrado
#PinkTurnsBlue
#FieldsOfTheNephilim
#RitualHowls
#SwitchbladeSymphony
#RedLorryYellowLorry
#InDeathItEnds
#SecondStill
#SiouxsieAndTheBanshees
https://www.mixcloud.com/dm-jones/release-the-bats-volume-2/
In praise of the #algorithm.
It just served me up this classic.
#onpoint #checktherhime #atribecalledquest #atcq #newschool #hiphop #NativeTounges #music #musodon #classics #theboulevardofLinden #Queens #NYC
The success of the #NewSchool strike is really inspiring. https://www.commondreams.org/news/2022/12/11/solidarity-works-adjunct-strike-ends-new-school-after-deal-reached
Congratulations to the #NewSchool faculty, students and ACT-UAW Local 7902 for winning their strike. Special shout out to @newschooloccupied.