Monmouthshire County Council has been successful in its bid for almost £80 million of investment to improve its schools.

The Welsh Government will provide £39.75 million of funding which the council will match to provide a total of £79.5 million to invest in improving Monmouthshire schools by 2021.

The funding is a fantastic boost for education within Monmouthshire and will facilitate much-needed improvements to the secondary school buildings as well as promote the 21st century learning initiative.

The £65 million earmarked for secondary schools will also see the further expansion of Welsh-medium secondary education in partnership with neighbouring authorities.

The proposal submitted to the Welsh Government also includes consideration of a further programme of work in Monmouthshire's primary schools, continuing work started in 2002 which has already seen over £40 million spent on improvements.

Work will begin shortly to develop the detailed plans required, which will complement and promote the concept of learning communities to support learners aged 11 to 18 years and beyond.

This funding will assist the council in achieving its ambitions to provide 21st century learning environments for the children and young people of Monmouthshire using the best available teaching methodology and the latest technology.

Cabinet member for education Councillor Liz Hacket Pain said: "This is certainly one of the most exciting days in the history of education in Monmouthshire.

"The funding we receive from the Welsh Government over the coming years will provide a learning infrastructure within our schools, especially our secondary schools, enabling our children and young people to truly experience 21st century learning."