WALES’ first purpose-built combined primary and secondary Welsh-medium community school has been officially opened by Kirsty Williams in Llandysul.

It is the result of six years of feasibility studies and consultation by both the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Education Programme and Ceredigion County Council.

Designed in conjunction with teachers, pupils and education advisers, the state-of-the art facility links all phases of learning on a single site, providing 60 reception/nursery places, 360 primary places and 678 secondary places.

Ysgol Bro Teifi is the result of the merger of Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi secondary school with Aberbanc, Coed y Bryn, Pontsian and Llandysul primary schools. Ysgol Bro Teifi will provide pupils of all ages with a truly 21st century education experience.

Ms Williams said: “Bro Teifi really is a community school in the broadest sense. The array of facilities available for both the pupils and public alike has created a school that invites you in and I’m delighted to formally open it today.”

Headteacher Robert Jenkins said: “As a school community, we’re delighted to take ownership of our new school and greatly appreciate the investment and support provided by the Welsh Government and Ceredigion County Council.

“Both staff and pupils were integral to the decisions made during the initial design consultation and the subsequent implementation of these ideas and are now thrilled with the result."

Council leader Ellen ap Gwynn said: “As the first school of its kind in Wales, this is an example of Ceredigion leading the way, by providing an innovative school of the highest quality to meet modern educational needs for pupils in the local district, as well as for generations to come.

“I have every confidence that Ysgol Bro Teifi will make an important contribution towards the excellent provision of education that is being offered in Ceredigion.”