POLITICIANS and community leaders gathered for the official opening of Cwmbran High School.

Welsh education minister Huw Lewis unveiled a slate plaque to celebrate the merger of Fairwater and Llantarnam schools on the former Fairwater site, six months after teaching first started at the school.

The multi-million building project was funded through the 21st Century Schools programme - a collaboration between the Welsh Government and local authorities to improve school buildings across the country.

South Wales Argus: The Minister for Education and Skill Huw Lewis AM officially opening Cwmbran High School

Mr Lewis, who said the event would be his last school opening before he steps down at May's Assembly elections, said: "The investment we are seeing across Torfaen is fantastic but investment means change and change can make people uncomfortable, nervy and even fractious as they deal with the challenges that brings.

"But I would like to pay tribute to everyone in Cwmbran and Torfaen for their commitment and passion for this project and to the 21st Century Schools programme.

"In years to come you will be able to look back and say that you have left your communities in a much better place than you found them in and I thank you for that."

Torfaen council leader Cllr Bob Wellington added: "People in Cwmbran should be proud of this. The school is going on to better things."

Work on the school, carried out by contractor Willmott Dixon Construction, included refurbishment of the lower block, new kitchen and dining facilities, remodelling of existing classrooms, an overhaul of heating and electrical systems in the lower block, and alterations to site access and parking.

Cwmbran High’s head teacher Helen Coulson said: “This is the start of a new era and it is lovely to be part of this new future for staff, pupils and the wider community in Cwmbran and Torfaen.

"It is not very often that you get to shape a new school and we are looking forward to the challenge."

South Wales Argus: The Minister for Education and Skill Huw Lewis AM officially opening Cwmbran High School

Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds added: "A great deal of work has gone into this new school and it is wonderful to see it come to fruition."

Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle said: "It is important to mark this achievement with a formal celebration because bringing together two schools is not an easy thing to do."