New building for Brynllywarch Hall School receives final approval

7 May 2025

Plans to build a new school that will transform education for vulnerable learners in Powys will be able to move forward after a full business case was approved by the Welsh Government.

Powys County Council is planning to build a new school to replace Brynllywarch Hall School's current building.

The school, located in Kerry near Newtown, provides education for pupils from 8 to 19-year-olds, with a wide range of complex emotional, behavioural and social difficulties.

The Welsh Government has approved the full business case, which was submitted after the council's Cabinet gave the go-ahead in February. This is of the last of the series of three business cases the council is required to prepare to secure capital funding for new build projects.

The Welsh Government will contribute 75% of the funding for the new building through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, and the remaining 25% will be funded by the council.

The investment plans will help the council deliver its Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: "I'm delighted that the Welsh Government has approved our full business case to replace the current Brynllywarch Hall School building. Their decision represents another huge investment in our school infrastructure and will enable construction of the new school building to start.

"The existing building no longer offers a suitable environment for the teaching and support requirements of pupils with significant behavioural, emotional or social difficulties.

"The new school for Brynllywarch would provide an environment where teaching staff can thrive and provide pupils with the facilities that enable their needs to be met their needs giving them a more enjoyable and fulfilling educational experience."

When completed, the council will have delivered a purpose-built community focused school for pupils in age-appropriate environments which will include:

• Specialist support and provision to pupils with challenging behaviour, emotional and social difficulties in a modern and innovative learning environment
• Appropriate learning spaces to deliver the new national curriculum
• Specialist equipment, including IT facilities, to support teaching and learning outcomes which will help to ensure all learners maximise their potential
• A fully equipped class base, with breakout space and hygiene facilities, together with an individual outdoor learning area.

Community groups will also be able to access the facilities out of school hours.

For more information about Transforming Education in Powys, visit Transforming Education.