A £1.4 billion programme intended to transform schools across Wales will be launched today.

The Welsh government's 21st Century Schools programme carries the ambitious aim of creating a learning environment that will inspire and motivate, through a commitment to invest in building and improving schools all over Wales.

It will see the Welsh Government working with councils and other providers of education to improve the environs of school to meet the needs of communities and provide the best learning provision for the areas they serve.

But most importantly, it aims to transform students' experiences of learning by ensuring they are taught in classrooms with the technologies and facilities needed to deliver a 21st Century curriculum.

First Minister Carwyn Jones and education minister Huw Lewis will launch the programme later today.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Mr Jones said: "We want to modernise Wales’ classrooms, meaning students can access the latest technology and can be inspired to experiment, develop skills and learn.

“We are investing £1.4bn in our schools over the next five years, in what is the first wave of our programme.

"This will build and refurbish over 150 schools and colleges in Wales, so that teachers, students and the community have the modern facilities they deserve.”

Mr Lewis said he wants students to be confident in their abilities and have belief in what they can achieve, regardless of their background and where they live.

"The 21st Century Schools programme is more than just a building programme," he said.

"It is creating the right environment for our students, giving them wider choices and introducing them to better technology, so that they become engaged in learning and achieving.

“Working with local authorities, the programme looks at the long-term aims for the community to create a solution which I hope will not only improve pupils’ educational experience but raise standards all across Wales.”

The Welsh Local Government Association, diocesan directors of the voluntary aided sector, and Colleges Wales will also be involved in helping deliver the programme.

It is not yet known where in Gwent will benefit from a share of the initial funding, which will be allocated on projects up to 2018/19.