A new £25m school in Oakdale has been officially opened by the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones.
Mr Jones unveiled a plaque at Islwyn High School, which has been constructed on the site of the former Oakdale Colliery, on Thursday, September 28.
Islwyn High School will house pupils from both Pontllanfraith and Oakdale Comprehensive Schools, and forms part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme.
Mr Jones said: “It has been one of my great pleasures to tour Wales over the years and open new schools. Our Young People deserve the right facilities where they can learn and get their best experience.
“I know this building will be a fantastic place to teach in and the facilities will be available for many years to come. It gives me great pleasure to officially open Islwyn High School.”
Work on the school began in August 2015, and boasts impressive features such as modern teaching spaces, state-of-the-art technology workshops, science labs and IT suites spread across three floors.
The outside space contains a 3G pitch and multi-use games area as well as outdoor learning spaces and an amphitheatre.
Head teacher Tim Williams said: “I am thrilled to welcome the First Minister of Wales to officially open Islwyn High School. It was certainly challenging merging two schools and relocating to a new campus but we couldn’t be more proud of our pupils. I have no doubt that we will continue to achieve great things in this fantastic facility.”
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Achievement, Cllr Philippa Marsden, added: “The thoughtful design was created by Caerphilly Council’s Property Team and the modern facility will work towards improving the learning culture and provide an environment where pupils can thrive.
“But the building alone cannot infuse the vision and passion that guides the school’s development, the heart of any school is its pupils and staff and I have no doubt that the school will achieve great things.”
