Plans submitted for new £30m Llangatwg Community School building

Neath Port Talbot Council has submitted plans for a brand-new building to replace Llangatwg Community School in Cadoxton — part of its ongoing Strategic School Improvement Programme (SSIP).

The proposed development would see the existing site transformed into a modern, purpose-built English-medium secondary school for up to 850 pupils, including dedicated provision for those with additional learning needs.

It’s the latest in a series of major education investments across the county borough, following our earlier reporting on five new schools proposed under a £106m funding bid. If approved, construction is expected to begin in early 2026.

Artist’s impression of the new Llangatwg school
(Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)Artist’s impression of the new Llangatwg school
(Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)Artist’s impression of the new Llangatwg school
(Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)Artist’s impression of the new Llangatwg school
(Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)Artist’s impression of the new Llangatwg school
(Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

A council spokesperson said:

“The vision for the new school is to provide a high-quality, flexible learning environment that supports the delivery of the Curriculum for Wales, while also offering enhanced facilities for both pupils and the wider community.”

Plans include state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, IT suites, roof terrace learning areas, and a central learning resource centre. The school would also feature a sports hall, performance space, vocational workshops and conference rooms — many with potential for community use.

Outdoor facilities would include two sports pitches, three multi-use games areas, a forest school, and even a greenhouse and food growing area. Transport and access have been carefully considered, with designated drop-off zones, EV charging points, and accessible parking.

The design meets the Welsh Government’s Net Zero Carbon in Operation standards and targets an embodied carbon footprint of just 600kgCO₂/m², developed in collaboration with ecology, landscaping and drainage specialists.

The new school would replace a building currently rated Category C- for condition, with £6.8 million in backlog maintenance and accessibility costs. Council leaders say the investment will help raise educational standards, improve accessibility, and create a more inclusive, community-focused campus.

Related stories on school investment and education reform

Five new schools could be coming to Neath Port Talbot
Published May 2025: Council outlines £106m bid to deliver new schools across the county borough, including proposals for Llangatwg and other priority sites.

Concerns raised over future of Heol Goffa special school amid Reform UK surge and council delays
Published June 2025: Campaigners call for clarity on plans for a new special school in Llanelli, citing delays and political uncertainty.

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Published April 2025: Swansea Council progresses plans to upgrade Penyrheol and Bishopston schools as part of its education investment strategy.

Milford Haven schools set for £141m transformation under new education investment plans
Published March 2025: Pembrokeshire Council unveils plans to redevelop Milford Haven’s primary and secondary schools into a single, modern campus.

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