Ysgol Robert Owen project highly commended in national CLAW Awards

15 December 2025

A major school building project in north Powys has been recognised at a national level after being highly commended in the CLAW Awards 2025 Project of the Year category.

The new school building for Newtown's Ysgol Robert Owen is the latest project delivered by Powys County Council under its Transforming Education Programme, which aims to improve learner experiences and outcomes by investing in high-quality learning environments.

CLAW (Consortium of Local Authorities in Wales) is a collaborative organisation that brings together local authorities to share best practice in the design, construction and maintenance of public buildings.

Its annual awards celebrate excellence in building projects across Wales, recognising innovation, sustainability and the delivery of high-quality facilities that meet community needs.

The new building provides modern facilities for pupils with additional learning needs. It includes a hydrotherapy pool, sensory and physiotherapy rooms, rebound therapy spaces, and a community café. External areas provide sports, learning and social areas, including extensive soft play facilities for foundation phase pupils.

The project has been designed with sustainability at its core, featuring air-source heat pumps and solar panels to reduce carbon demand. This supports the council's vision for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys, reducing environmental impact while creating a healthy, modern space for learners.

Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: "I'm delighted that the Ysgol Robert Owen project has been highly commended in the CLAW Awards.

"This new building is an important part of our Strategy to Transform Education in Powys and provides a world-class facility for some of our most vulnerable learners. It's given teaching staff the environment they need to thrive and ensure pupils benefit from facilities that meet their needs and enable them to enjoy learning."

Cllr Joy Jones, Chair of Governors at Ysgol Robert Owen, said: "We are absolutely delighted that our new school building has been recognised with this award. It reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in creating a modern, inclusive environment where our learners can thrive.

"This recognition is a proud moment for our school community and shows the importance of investing in facilities that meet the needs of all pupils."

The project was funded by the Welsh Government's Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme and the council.

To read the council's Strategy for Transforming Education 2020-2032 and details of the Transforming Education Programme - Wave 2 (2022-2027), visit Transforming Education