Morgan Sindall Construction's Wales division has officially broken ground on a new state-of-the-art Additional Learning Needs (ALN) school in Clydach Vale, designed to be net zero carbon in operation.

Commissioned by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, the £37 million school will provide English-medium ALN education for 176 learners aged 3 to 19. The project, awarded via the SEWSCAP 3 Framework, is being jointly funded by the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Completion is expected in Autumn 2026.

The new facility will feature 23 classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, a wellbeing centre, a canteen and a range of multi-use and support spaces spread across a two-storey modern building. External works will include outdoor learning and play areas, a secure roof terrace on the southern side of the building, and a 79-space car park with EV charging points, drop-off/pick-up facilities and covered cycle storage.

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To preserve the local environment, all existing trees and surrounding woodland will be retained, and the site will be enclosed with secure boundary fencing. The school is designed in line with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Welsh Government climate commitments and reflects Morgan Sindall's own sustainability goals. The building will be powered by rooftop solar PV panels and will feature a sustainable drainage system to manage rainwater responsibly.

Morgan Sindall will also implement a dedicated social value plan throughout construction, working with the council's Employment, Education, and Training team to deliver job creation, apprenticeships, and training opportunities for local residents. A Morgan Sindall Knowledge Quad will also be established on site—providing a hub for education, engagement, and community collaboration.

Rob Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in Wales, said: "It's an absolute pleasure to begin the construction of this brand new, state-of-the-art school in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Our work will support the next generation of learners with ALN with specialised high quality educational facilities such as the hydrotherapy pool and wellbeing centre.

"We very much look forward to progressing works on site and engaging with the wider Clydach Vale community."