CALDICOT’S new £40 million secondary school was officially opened last Friday (20th July) by the Lord Lieutenant Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE, a year to the day after the old building closed.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC)’s first 21st Century School, built to an award-winning design, will cater for 1,500 pupils and also welcome members of the wider community.

The project has been joint funded by MCC and the Welsh Government’s 21st Century School and Education Programme.

Among the VIP guests at the opening ceremony was Jessica Morden MP, Chairman of MCC, Councillor Peter Clarke and Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Fox.

Acting Head teacher Mr Simon Rees and Chair of Governors Peter Nurcombe expressed thanks to all involved in the project.

Cllr Richard John Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said the new school was light, environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient and kitted out with state of the art technology.

“Seventy per cent of construction workers were from the local area and many apprentices gained valuable skills during the construction,” he said.

“We look forward to continuing to renew our school buildings across the county so every young person in Monmouthshire can benefit from a modern learning environment.”

Education secretary Kirsty Williams AM said: “Our national mission is to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence.

“Our 21st Century Schools and Education Programme plays a key part in this and is the largest investment in our schools and colleges since the 1960s.

“I am delighted the Welsh Government’s investment in this £40m project is having a positive impact on education and learning in Monmouthshire. The new school will be a vital resource for the whole community.”