Posted on: Wednesday 16 July 2025
A Welsh-medium primary school which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary is to get a multi-million-pound upgrade.
Work to refurbish Ysgol Bryn Onnen, in Varteg, Pontypool, is expected to start next July and be completed by October 2027.
The news came as pupils and staff prepared to mark the school's anniversary with a party for pupils and a concert for parents last Thursday.
It also followed news the school was no longer under review by Estyn, following an inspection last year.
In a letter, the inspectorate said the school was "judged to have made sufficient progress in addressing the recommendations" and there will be no further monitoring.
Headteacher Rhys ap Gwyn said: "The news of the investment and update from Estyn made our 30th anniversary celebrations even more special.
"We're looking forward to planning for the next 30 years of providing excellent Welsh medium education in our community."
Dr Andrew Powles, Director of Education, said: "I am pleased Estyn has recognised the good and sustained progress made by Ysgol Bryn Onnen over the past year.
"The school’s leadership team and governing body have driven improvements across many areas which gave Estyn confidence that the school is offering a good standard of education to its pupils."
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, added: "Having strong Welsh Medium education provision across Torfaen is absolutely central to our development of the Welsh language.
"We are pleased with the progress Ysgol Bryn Onnen has made and pleased that Estyn has recognised this."
Funding for the work will come from a Welsh Government Sustainable Communities for Learning grant and the council.
Site surveys will be carried out at the school over the summer ahead of the refurbishment plans being confirmed.