A NEW £40m school has been officially opened – a year to the day after the 1958-built building closed.

Caldicot School is Monmouthshire County Council’s first ‘21st Century School’, and was opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE, on Friday (July 20).  

The new secondary school hosts 1,500 pupils and was jointly funded by the council and the Welsh Government’s 21st Century School and Education Programme. 

The programme, which also includes a brand new school at Monmouth Comprehensive, represents the largest infrastructure investment in schools and colleges since the 1960s.

Dignitaries, including local MP Jessica Morden, Monmouthshire Council chairman Cllr Peter Clarke, and council leader Cllr Peter Fox attended the ceremony.

Acting headteacher Mr Simon Rees and chair of governors Peter Nurcombe expressed thanks to all involved in the transformational build of the school.

Since the original school opened 60 years ago, the building and its ethos has been at the heart of the community, and the new school – with its award-winning design and architecture – will continue to welcome pupils, staff, parents and the wider community through its doors.

The innovative design and interactive technology within the school provides a state-of-the-art learning experience today and for future generations and will equip Caldicot pupils to meet the challenges of the new curriculum. 

Cllr Richard John, Cabinet member for children and young people said: “It’s a privilege to mark the official start of 21st Century learning for pupils in Caldicot.

“The school is the council’s biggest investment to date, delivered in collaboration with Interserve, the Welsh Government, pupils and staff.

“This new school is light, environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient and kitted out with state-of-the-art technology to enable staff to use the most modern teaching methods.

“Seventy per cent of construction workers were from the local area and many apprentices gained valuable skills during the construction. 

“This new school will benefit young people and the wider community in Caldicot for generations. And we look forward to continuing to renew our school buildings across the county so every young person in Monmouthshire can benefit from a modern learning environment.”