16 September 2019
We’ve ‘topped out’ in a special ceremony to mark the latest milestone in the £24 million development. The roof top celebration with Torfaen Council was held on Thursday, September 12, as we look forward to welcoming our first learners in September 2020.
Councillor Anthony Hunt, leader of Torfaen council, said: “This event marks another significant milestone in this exciting development. There’s a lot of work taking place with 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, the schools and council to ensure the students get the best possible transition from school to the Torfaen Learning Zone.” Councillor David Yeowell, executive member for Education, said: “This is a landmark moment for the Torfaen Learning Zone which is well on track and will transform post-16 education for Torfaen students, offering them the best possible curriculum in a modern, high quality learning environment.”
Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, Lee Waters said: “Even though our budget has been cut because of austerity we’re prioritising money to build new schools and colleges. The Torfaen Learning Zone is a £12 million investment in the area and will see a big improvement. As we mark the 20th anniversary of devolution today’s announcement is example of how we’re making a difference to the lives of students and teachers in Torfaen.”
91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Principal Guy Lacey said, “This is an exciting day in the development of the Torfaen Learning Zone, which will be an amazing facility for the young people and adult learners of the area. We very much look forward to welcoming our first learners when we open the doors next September.”
The Torfaen Learning Zone will be the home of all English language A Level education in Torfaen and will also offer the Welsh Baccalaureate and a range of level 2 and 3 qualifications. It’s in a prime location next to the Morrisons store in the centre of Cwmbran with excellent links to public transport and facilities in the town centre. It will serve all pupils in the borough and will become the pathway for Torfaen students into higher education, training and employment. It will replace the three English medium school sixth forms in the borough and will be managed and run by 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ in partnership with the council.
The sixth form closures at Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran High and St Albans RC High will take place at the end of the summer term in 2020 to coincide with the opening of the new centre in Cwmbran in September 2020.