A NEW Welsh medium primary school is set to be built after Torfaen received priority funding as part of a nationwide scheme to boost Welsh medium education.

The scheme, announced by the Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning Eluned Morgan AM, will see £46 million allocated from the Welsh Medium Capital Grant and Childcare Offer Capital Grant to boost Welsh medium education across Wales.

In Torfaen, the grant will be used to build a 210 place Welsh Medium primary school with a 30 place nursery on the Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw secondary school site, extending the current age range at the school to children aged three to 18.

It will also be used to make modifications to the existing buildings at Greenmeadow Primary School to establish a 20 place Mudiad Meithrin setting for pre-school children aged from two to three.

Torfaen’s Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr David Yeowell said: “The council submitted a proposal to help meet the demand for Welsh language education in the borough.

“We’re delighted to receive a grant to deliver this brand new school and nursery on the Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw site which will create a Welsh language campus for children aged from three to 18. The Meithrin places at Greenmeadow will also support and grow Welsh medium pre-school education in Torfaen.

“Taken together, the proposals will significantly increase supply of Welsh Medium education in Torfaen and will support the Welsh Government’s aim of securing one million Welsh speakers by 2050.”

Ms Morgan made the announcement during a visit to Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw.

She said: “These projects will make a significant contribution to the provision of Welsh medium education.

“Having a comfortable, modern, fit-for-purpose environment in which to learn is vital to ensuring young people have the best possible education.

“This extra funding will mean that even more of our students will be able to benefit from excellent facilities to learn through the medium of Welsh.”