Joy as school’s rebuild is confirmed ...12yrs later

Wales High is one of 61 schools in desperate need of renovation that will benefit from the Rebuilding Schools Programme.

Chair of governors Cllr Dominic Beck said was “delighted” about the decision and it was a “long time coming”, while headteacher Pepe Di’Iasio hailed the decision as “historic” and the answer to “weeks and months of prayers”.

Cllr Beck, a former pupil, said: “It’s a massive opportunity as the school is a big part of the community and it can be utilised by community groups, people and residents.”

Wales High was supposed to be rebuilt more than a decade ago in part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme that was eventually scrapped because of austerity.

Cllr Beck added the majority of the school had been in place for decades and, as a result, was ageing and leaking.

He said planning permission was needed but this should be straightforward and the new school could be finished within two or three years.

Mr Di’Iasio said it had been a challenging ten years after “narrowly” missing out on the funds but he was “absolutely delighted” with the news.

He added: “It is a combination of weeks and months of hoping and praying. It is a historic moment.

“About 12 years ago, we narrowly missed out on the BSF programme.

“It is an ageing building and we wanted to have a building that matches our hard work and the 21st century.

“The school is in the heart of the community. We’ve got a number of clubs and societies as we’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

“The last two years have been difficult but many societies are coming back.

“We’ve been working very hard to make sure we remain in the heart of our community.”