A Newport independent school has opened a purpose-built education building after securing multi-million-pound funding from NatWest.

Rougemont School used a £3.5m funding package from NatWest to deliver state-of-the-art facilities worth £4.28m, including a new building housing a 600-seat auditorium, sixth form centre and refectory.

The new facilities will complement the vast array of opportunities already on offer to pupils.

Located in 55-acre grounds, Rougement School was founded in the early 1920s and is ranked by Estyn as one of Wales’ highest performing schools with A level results in 2018 the best in south east Wales.

The school provides teaching and enrichment facilities for 560 pupils ranging from age three to 18 years.

Robert Carnevale, headmaster of Rougemont School, said: “The funding from NatWest has enabled us to bring this project to life and ensure we continue to provide the best possible educational facilities for our pupils. The new spaces will also be enjoyed by the whole of the community.”

Andy Knight, the school’s director of business and finance, said: “The arrival of the new build is a key moment in Rougemont’s history with the school now keen to put itself at the heart of the community. Our fantastic facilities will be available to hire for local clubs and organisations.”

Zoe Mott, senior relationship manager at NatWest, said: “Rougemont School has always prided itself on offering fantastic facilities that supports its pupils’ education. While working with the team on the redevelopment, every aspect has been carefully thought out, with both the pupils and the local community’s best interests at the forefront of all decisions. The school now has some of the best facilities in the country.”