IT WAS smiles all round yesterday as Cwmcarn High School pupils settled into their new home in Ebbw Vale.

Around 960 pupils have been relocated to Coleg Gwent’s former campus after the school was closed last month over fears of asbestos dust exposure.

Council officers and teachers spent last week’s half-term holiday preparing the decommissioned building, which included moving and unpacking all the school’s resources, such as books and teaching materials. Signs have been put up around the site directing pupils to their lessons, and teachers have already started making themselves at home by decorating their new classrooms.

Yesterday pupils made the 13-mile journey to the new site for the first time in a convoy of coaches.

And it seems they are pleased to be back together.

Sixth-former Connor Malone, 16, said: “It’s been different, but quite interesting. I have to respect the school for how quickly they have responded to the situation. It’s quite well thought out considering they didn’t have much time.

“It was like going on a school trip on the bus this morning. Everyone seems quite excited, there’s a positive feel and everyone was keen to see the new building.”

Megan Cox, 12, said: “I was scared at first because I’ve never experienced coming to Ebbw Vale before but I was excited to see my friends and coming back to work.”

Ellie Davies, 15, said: “It was just like starting in Year 7 again, being in a different school,” while Jodie Williams, 16, commented: “I’m glad to be back, we wouldn’t have wanted to be split up. I thought it would be chaotic with the buses but everyone was here on time.”

The remainder of the school’s resources will be moved this week and the council is in the process of reconnecting the kitchen’s ovens so the school can provide hot meals.

Head: We pull together

HEAD teacher Jacqui Peplinski said everyone had worked hard to make the situation work.

She said: “Now the pupils are in it is becoming a school again.

“Teachers have turned it into their space, it’s nice for them, everything is familiar.

“It’s still the same school, just in a different location.

“I have told everyone, it doesn’t matter where we are it’s the people that make the school.

“Splitting them up wasn’t an option – it still won’t be an option.

“It’s a good school, it’s successful with great staff and fantastic learners.

“We will enjoy being here.”