BLAENAU Gwent council is on track to delivering its promises of modernised schools in the county following a review by the Welsh Government.

Assessors concluded that there is a strong possibility that the first phase of the region’s 21st Century Schools programme will be finished before 2019.

The Gateway Review also praised the “good level of engagement” with children and young people by officers and teaching staff.

Since 2014 work has been completed at Tredegar Comprehensive School and Abertillery Primary School, with further projects including a new build school at Six Bells and remodelling work at Ystruth Primary School in Blaina.

Cllr Clive Meredith, executive member for education, said: “The 21st Century Schools Programme has transformed schools in Blaenau Gwent, with thousands of students across the county benefitting from state of the art facilities. This Gateway Review shows that we are on the right track and operating in line with the expectations of Welsh Government and its 21st Century Schools Programme making sure every child gets the very best start in life.”