Pupils help choose new school’s name ahead of £18m construction

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Plans to merge two Newport primaries have taken a symbolic step forward after pupils helped choose the new school’s name.

The union of Millbrook and Monnow primaries, in Bettws, is expected to be completed in 2028 following the construction of their new school building.

This week, the council confirmed the new school will be called Pont Y Gamlas (Canal Bridge), after pupils voted for their favourite name from a shortlist.

“The canal, which runs alongside the new school site, became a central theme – symbolising connection and collaboration, as it merges the Brecon and Monmouth canals”, said Monnow Primary headteacher Lisa Bowden, who will lead the new school.

“The bridge represents unity and the exciting future ahead for learners and the wider community.”

The merger – or amalgamation – of the two Bettws primaries is a direct result of structural problems inspectors found in Millbrook’s main school building in 2022.

Since then, most pupils have been taught in temporary classrooms at an adult training centre in Brynglas.

Millbrook has since been demolished, and the new school will be built on the site at an estimated cost of £18 million.

The council decided to build a larger school which can also accommodate pupils from Monnow, which has its own £1.4 million maintenance backlog.

Construction is due to begin on the new school next autumn.

“It is important the children feel an integral part of the new school, so I’m delighted that they have been instrumental in deciding its name,” said Cllr Deb Davies, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for education, who said the new school will “offer a first-class and modern learning environment”.

She added: “I would like to thank all the pupils, staff, governors and parents for their patience as this project progresses. It will be worth the wait.”