Thank you for your letter of 25 July requesting a further update on Godre’rgraig Primary School.
I can confirm that my officials have been in contact with officers from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to offer support in identifying a permanent solution for the learners of Godre’rgraig Primary School under the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
The Local Authority has been advised that, should they intend to amend their Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) to incorporate a proposal in relation to Godre’rgraig Primary school, this would need to consider the viability of the provision from a school organisation and capacity perspective. It would also need to consider the impact upon neighbouring English and Welsh medium schools in the surrounding areas and the cost of the project in line with our Programme guidance.
With regard to the Llangatwg Community School project, this has been identified by the Local Authority as a priority for investment within their nine-year Rolling Programme SOP. The proposed investment seeks to deliver new secondary school facilities to replace poor- condition buildings and address surplus capacity at the school in line with projected demand.
Whilst I recently approved the Outline Business Case for this project, I would like to clarify that Welsh Government grant funding has not been awarded.
The award of funding for the Llangatwg Community School project will be subject to the successful submission, assessment, and approval of a Full Business Case in accordance with our robust Programme governance and scrutiny process.
As noted in my previous letter, the planning and prioritisation of investment under the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme is the responsibility of the local authority, and my officials continue to support them in identifying a sustainable solution for the learners of Godre’rgraig.
Yours sincerely,
Lynne Neagle AS/MS
Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Addysg Cabinet Secretary for Education
