Bulldozers move in as demolition starts at former Daniel James school

Contractors started moving onto the site this week to begin tearing down the long‑disused buildings, Swansea Council has confirmed. The neighbouring former Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tirdeunaw will also be demolished as part of the same programme.

The council said the clearance is being jointly funded with the Welsh Government, with Tom Prichard Contracting Ltd appointed to carry out the work. According to the authority, the demolition phase is expected to take around six months.

History of the Mynydd‑bach school site

Mynyddbach Multilateral School
Opened in 1957 as a prominent all‑girls secondary school, providing single‑sex education for more than 50 years.

Merger in 2001
The school merged with the all‑boys Penlan Comprehensive to form the mixed‑sex Daniel James Community School.

Closure of Daniel James
Daniel James Community School was placed in special measures in 2010 and closed in 2012, leaving the site largely vacant until the current redevelopment work.

Site earmarked for future Bishop Vaughan rebuild

Swansea Council said the cleared land is planned to become the future home of a new Bishop Vaughan Catholic School under the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning programme. The council stated that the project has been agreed “in principle” but still requires further approvals before construction can begin.

The authority added that Bishop Vaughan will continue operating at its current site “without any disruption” to pupils or staff until a new building is ready.

“A big step forward” — Cabinet Member

Cllr Robert Smith, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said the demolition marks progress in the wider school investment programme.

“The demolition of these empty, outdated buildings that are no longer fit for purpose is a big step forward for our future plans for Bishop Vaughan,” he said.

“Working with colleagues in Welsh Government, we are seeing record investment in our school buildings in Swansea. More than £400m is earmarked for the next phase of investment to create state‑of‑the‑art facilities at many of our schools and to give pupils the best possible support to reach their full potential.”

The council clarified that the £400m refers to investment across multiple schools, not this single project.

What happens next?

Once demolition is complete, the council says the site will be prepared for the next stage of planning and approvals before any construction work begins.

Related stories

Plans for major investment in two Swansea secondary schools move forward
Proposals for large‑scale redevelopment across the city’s school estate.

Work on new Bishop Vaughan school could start early next year
Early details on the proposed rebuild under the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme.

Swansea schools set for £400m investment programme
A look at the next phase of funding planned across multiple schools.

Minister opens £11.5m new Welsh‑medium school
A recent example of new school facilities delivered in Swansea.

100 Swansea businesses sign up to new drive to boost young people’s career chances

The Swansea Pledge was launched at Y Storfa, the city’s new community and learning hub which opened last month in the former BHS building on Oxford Street and Princess Way. The event brought together employers, schools and education leaders in a major push to link classrooms with real workplaces.

The council says the scheme will help young people understand the jobs available in Swansea — and help businesses spot the talent coming up behind them.

A big push to connect pupils with real jobs

The event showcased how companies across Swansea are already stepping in to support learners, offering everything from work placements and internships to industry talks, masterclasses and employer‑led workshops.

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“From the development of the city centre and waterfront to the growth of innovation hubs and green spaces, we are building a city that attracts investment, fosters creativity, and supports sustainable growth.

But regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that every learner in Swansea can see a future here, and every business can find the talent it needs to thrive.”

Schools already seeing the benefits

Several Swansea schools have been working closely with local employers — and the impact is already visible.

At Glyncollen Primary, pupils have taken part in careers fairs and employer‑led workshops that help them understand how classroom learning links to real jobs. Cwm Glas Primary and YGG Llwynderw have taken part in enterprise challenges and STEM events, giving learners hands‑on experience with industry professionals.

Craigfelen Primary has teamed up with employers to deliver work‑related learning, while pupils at Bishopston Comprehensive spent a week with Kier and AtkinsRealis, gaining first‑hand experience in construction and engineering.

A panel at the launch event — including representatives from 4theRegion, Redkite Solicitors, Morganstone, The Secret Group, Craigfelen Primary School and Gower College Swansea — shared how business‑school partnerships are already shaping young people’s ambitions.

“A win‑win for schools and business”

Robert Smith, Cabinet Member for Education, said:

“The Swansea Pledge is a win‑win for schools and businesses and it was great to see the enthusiasm at the launch event.

It is vital that business works with us to give our schools an understanding of where there are skills gaps and how these can be addressed while also bringing the curriculum to life.

It’s also so important that young people are fully aware that there are jobs and careers out there that they may not even have considered.”

Information on careers, training and opportunities is available on the My Choices website.

Businesses interested in joining the Swansea Pledge can contact the council through the site or complete an online pledge form.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea Council says it will unleash record investment as nearly £1bn budget revealed
Council outlines major spending plans as part of its biggest-ever budget package.

Thousands flock to new city centre hub as Y Storfa officially opens
Swansea’s new community and learning hub opens in the former BHS building.

Big tech boost as Amazon-owned Veeqo opens new Swansea HQ at 71–72 Kingsway
Major tech investment lands in the city centre as Veeqo expands its footprint.

Swansea BID launches 24/7 crime hotline for city centre businesses
New hotline aims to support traders and improve safety in the city centre.

£150m sports and health superhub to rise at Sketty Lane
Ambitious plans unveiled for a major new sports, health and wellbeing complex.

Blaenymaes & Portmead super‑school merger takes step forward

The project, backed by Welsh Government, promises modern classrooms, outdoor play areas, a part‑time nursery, Flying Start provision and specialist support facilities.

The move hasn’t been without controversy. Parents raised concerns when the school plan was first unveiled, sparking a row over whether the two schools should be forced together. A formal consultation followed, with the majority backing the merger.

Councillors have now confirmed the schools will amalgamate in 2030, creating one governing body and one headteacher. Pupils are expected to move into the new build in 2031, with the new school proposed close to Blaenymaes Primary.

Council Leader Rob Stewart said:

“We are absolutely committed to this huge investment that will transform education for generations of children. Together with Welsh Government we’re investing more than £400m in new and improved facilities across Swansea — the largest ever investment in school infrastructure here.”

Cabinet Member for Education Robert Smith added:

“Better school buildings are needed to meet the needs of pupils at Blaenymaes and Portmead. A brand new school will bring them the benefits already enjoyed by other communities where we’ve built new schools.”

For families, the decision means the countdown is on. In five years’ time, Blaenymaes and Portmead will no longer exist as separate schools — and by 2031, hundreds of children are set to swap ageing classrooms for a modern “super‑school” designed to change the face of education in the north of the city.

Related stories: Blaenymaes & Portmead school plans

Row over Blaenymaes & Portmead school plan
Parents voiced concerns as proposals for a new super‑school first emerged.

Consultation backs merger
Formal consultation showed support for amalgamating the two schools ahead of a new build.

New school proposal unveiled
Council outlined plans for a modern site near Blaenymaes Primary to serve both communities.

#BlaenYMaes #BlaenYMaesPrimarySchool #CllrRobStewart #CllrRobertSmith #education #Portmead #PortmeadPrimarySchool #schoolMerger #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

New school plan for Blaenymaes and Portmead sparks row over amalgamation

Swansea Council says the new school, due to open in 2031, will provide modern classrooms, improved outdoor facilities, a part‑time nursery, Flying Start provision and a Specialist Teaching Facility for pupils needing extra support.

The council’s cabinet has now approved publishing a statutory notice to amalgamate Blaenymaes and Portmead Primary Schools – but not until 2030, just a year before the new building is due to open.

That change follows feedback from staff, parents and pupils during consultation earlier this year. Originally, amalgamation was proposed for 2027.

Council view

Cabinet Member for Education Robert Smith said the delay was a direct response to community concerns:

“One of the clear messages from the consultation was that both communities recognise that better buildings and facilities are needed. The main concern expressed related to the proposed date of amalgamation and in response to these representations the change has been made so that amalgamation would not happen until 2030.”

He stressed that both schools will continue to operate as normal for the next five years while the new school is designed and built.

Council Leader Rob Stewart added:

“Working with our colleagues at Welsh Government we are committed to investing £420m in new and improved schools in the coming years. We have already delivered the largest investment in school infrastructure ever seen in Swansea and we will be announcing more investment proposals in the months to come.”

The proposed site for the new school is near the existing Blaenymaes Primary site.

Governors’ opposition

But the Governing Body of Portmead Primary School has issued a strong statement opposing the amalgamation.

While not against the principle of a new school building, governors say they are firmly against merging the two schools, warning it would damage pupils’ learning, well‑being and sense of identity.

They said:

“New is not always better, and both schools have worked extremely hard to develop their own bespoke approaches, offering the nurture, care, and community support that meet the specific needs of their pupils.”

Governors say they have collected more than 190 signatures from parents and visitors opposing the move adding that “the level of objection is extremely high”.

Governors added that they “remain concerned that merging two schools with distinct identities and educational needs will have a significant negative impact on pupils’ learning, well-being, and sense of belonging, while also undermining the strong community identity that has been built over many years.”

They also raised fears about what would happen to the Portmead site once it is vacated, warning it could become a magnet for anti‑social behaviour and vandalism.

“There are examples of abandoned school buildings nearby that have been left to fall into ruin posing a significant risk to the safety of others and are an eyesore for the local communities that have to deal with an increase in criminal activity,” the statement said.

What happens next

The statutory notice to amalgamate the schools will now be published, with a further consultation period to follow. A final decision on the future use of the existing school sites will be made at the end of that process if the proposal is approved.

#BlaenYMaes #BlaenYMaesPrimarySchool #CllrRobStewart #CllrRobertSmith #education #Portmead #PortmeadPrimarySchool #SchoolGovernors #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Council-backed plans for major investment in two Swansea secondary schools move forward

Swansea Council’s Cabinet is being asked to approve the next phase of work, which would see outdated classrooms and facilities at Gowerton School replaced, alongside refurbishment and upgrades to other areas of the site. The improvements aim to deliver significantly enhanced spaces for learning, sport, recreation and wider community use.

Cabinet members are also considering funding for the detailed design and pre-construction phase, with contractors expected to work closely with pupils, staff, governors and the wider community to shape the final plans.

Separately, the Council is progressing plans for a brand new Bishop Vaughan Catholic School, to be built on the site of the former Daniel James Community School in Mynyddbach. Existing buildings on the site — including those previously occupied by YGG Tirdeunaw — would be demolished next year, with construction of the new school potentially completed within five years.

The new Bishop Vaughan campus would offer state-of-the-art facilities and vocational learning opportunities for both pupils and the wider community. Pupils and staff will remain at the current site throughout the build, with no disruption to learning.

Cabinet members are also being asked to approve a land swap with the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia, alongside potential changes to lease arrangements associated with the site.

Robert Smith, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “In Swansea we are seeing record investment in our school buildings with more than £400m earmarked to create state-of-the-art facilities to give pupils the best possible support to reach their full potential.

“Many of our secondary schools have already benefitted from investment and I’m pleased that our plans for Gowerton and Bishop Vaughan are progressing, as is investment at Ysgol Gyfun Bryn Tawe. Thousands more pupils will benefit from these latest projects for many years to come.”

Both projects are part of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, and will be built to net zero operational carbon targets. Contractors will be expected to create work and apprenticeship opportunities, and source materials and services locally under the council’s Beyond Bricks and Mortar policy.

#BeyondBricksAndMortar #BishopVaughanCatholicSchool #CllrRobertSmith #DanielJamesCommunitySchool #GowertonComprehensiveSchool #Mynyddbach #netZero #newSchool #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #YGGTirdeunaw

Sketty school’s ‘Criw Cymraeg’ leads to language award

It is a Wales-wide initiative encouraging young people to speak Welsh in all aspects of their lives and not just during lessons.

Sketty has become Swansea’s fifth school to achieve gold and headteacher Bev Phillips said it was a real team effort.

She said: “This achievement reflects the dedication, hard work, and passion of our entire team—staff, children, parents, carers, governors, and the council’s Welsh service who have worked tirelessly to enable us to achieve the highest standards.

“Receiving the Gold Siarter is not just an honour, it is a testament to our ongoing efforts to promote the Welsh language, foster a culture of respect and diversity and to deliver outstanding educational experiences. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this success.”

Jo Griffiths, Welsh subject leader at Sketty, added: “It’s been such an exciting and rewarding journey over the past three years, working to raise the profile and standard of Welsh across our school and local community.

“Our brilliant Criw Cymraeg have been at the heart of it all – leading events like Bore Coffi, the Dewi treasure hunt, school visits, Welsh music gigs and more. The buzz around the Welsh language and our cynefin is felt in every part of our school.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Robert Smith, said: “It takes a lot of work and commitment to achieve the gold award so it’s really pleasing to see Sketty Primary achieve this and my congratulations go to all involved.”

#CllrRobertSmith #SiarterIaith #Sketty #SkettyPrimarySchool #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #WelshLanguage

Castle offers kids in uniforms free after-school visits

Swansea primary school pupils now have the unique opportunity to explore the historic Oystermouth Castle free of charge during select sessions over the coming weeks.

Swansea Council say that children dressed in their local school uniforms can enjoy complimentary entry, when visiting the ticket office after 3pm on term-time weekdays.

The castle remains open daily until 5pm, with the last admission at 4:30pm. Additionally, children under the age of five continue to enjoy free entry during all opening hours.

This initiative is proudly managed by the Friends of Oystermouth Castle and aims to provide an enriching, low-cost experience for young learners. The offer runs until the end of September during term time.

Councillor Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights & Equalities at Swansea Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for parents and grandparents collecting children from school to enjoy an affordable, entertaining, and educational experience.”

Councillor Robert Smith, Cabinet Member for Education, added: “The opportunity to get close-up to local history does not get much better than a trip to Oystermouth Castle. Youngsters at our schools will be learning all about Swansea’s heritage in class, so a free visit to the castle will only help bring it to life.”

Nestled above the scenic Mumbles seafront with breath-taking views over Swansea Bay, Oystermouth Castle invites families to immerse themselves in its historical charm. Don’t miss the chance to visit – it’s open daily from 11am to 5pm and during weekends in October.

#CllrElliottKing #CllrRobertSmith #education #FriendsOfOystermouthCastle #Mumbles #Oystermouth #OystermouthCastle #SwanseaCouncil

New school planned for Blaenymaes and Portmead

Under the proposals by Swansea Council, it is expected the new school will open in six years’ time and replace the two existing school buildings.

Both the Blaenymaes and Portmead Primary School sites will remain open until it is ready and it is envisaged existing and new pupils will continue to be taught in their current sites until 2031.

Swansea Council say the new school would be large enough to accommodate all children in the community and it will have part-time nursery and Flying Start provision, along with a Specialist Teaching Facility for those pupils that need additional support.

There will also be better outdoor areas for play, learning and sport.

To begin the process, the first stage is that Blaenymaes and Portmead Primaries would be amalgamated bringing both sites under one headteacher and governing body.

Swansea Council say it is something that has been done successfully in the past, ahead of major school investment projects in the city.

Swansea Council’s cabinet has agreed to consult on the amalgamation and pupils, staff, parents and carers as well as the wider community will be asked for their views as part of the process.

Cabinet will then decide at a future meeting whether to proceed with the amalgamation which could take place in September 2027.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Robert Smith, said: “We want to give every pupil in Swansea the best possible chance of achieving their full potential and a major step to support this is to ensure they are taught in the best possible learning environments.

“Better school buildings are needed to meet the current and future needs of pupils at Blaenymaes and Portmead Primary Schools and a brand new school will bring them the benefits enjoyed by other communities where we have built new schools.

“Pupils and their parents can be assured that both the existing school sites will remain open until the new state-of-the-art school is ready and parents and pupils will see very little change until then.

“While the new school building does not form part of this consultation, amalgamating the two schools is a first step towards realising this major investment in the future of the children of the area.

“We want to make sure that we get this right, so if agreed the next stage will then be to progress to detailed design work where we’ll involve staff, pupils, their families and governors.

“This will take time before a final proposal is costed and finance agreed with Welsh Government so building work can begin. This is then estimated to take around two years.”

The current proposed site of the new school will be near to the existing Blaenymaes Primary site.

The council say that no decision will be made on the future use of the existing school sites until after the new school opens.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart added: “Working with our colleagues at Welsh Government we are committed to investing £420m in new and improved schools in the coming years.

“We have already delivered the largest investment in school infrastructure ever seen in Swansea and we will be announcing more proposals in the months to come.”

Read more Swansea news.

#BlaenYMaes #BlaenYMaesPrimarySchool #CllrRobertSmith #education #featured #newSchool #Portmead #PortmeadPrimarySchool #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil