PUPILS and staff from two new primary schools in Torfaen will receive a visit from Welsh Government’s education head next week.

This Thursday education secretary Kirsty Williams AM, will officially open Llantarnam Community Primary and Blenheim Road Community Primary schools in Cwmbran.

The primary schools have been constructed as part of Torfaen council and Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Education Programme.

Work on both schools began in October 2015 and from November last year pupils from Blenheim Road Community Primary School have been taught in their new school on the existing school site.

Pupils from Llantarnam Community Primary School, relocated from Oakfield to a new school on the former Llantarnam Comprehensive School site.

The £20.5 million scheme also includes a third school, Ysgol Panteg, which is due to open at the end of February.

Education secretary, Kirsty Williams, said: “I am delighted to be opening these brand new primary schools thanks to more than £20m of new investment and I hope the children and staff enjoy the great facilities now on offer.

“The Welsh Government is determined to continue investing in our schools as part of our drive to raise standards and provide the best environment possible for our children.”

Torfaen council's executive member for education, Cllr David Yeowell, added: “These magnificent new schools replace ageing and inefficient buildings and it’s clear are already inspiring will our pupils and staff.

“Our ongoing investment in the the 21st century schools programme demonstrates our commitment to raising educational attainment right across the borough.

“A third new school, Ysgol Panteg, will open to pupils later this month and we have recently approved a new school at Croesyceiliog and new post-16 centre for all learners in the borough.”

The council’s cost to build the new schools was match funded by Welsh Government through its 21st Century Schools and Education Programme — a collaboration between the Welsh Government, the Welsh Local Government Association and councils.

The programme, launched in 2011, has seen a mix of new schools built school closures and refurbished buildings with a focus on school size, location and quality.

All three primary schools have been designed and constructed by Willmott Dixon Construction Limited and are based on the same design.

Blenheim Road Community Primary and Llantarnam Community Primary will have 315 pupil places and Ysgol Panteg will have 420 pupil places.

The design allows Blenheim Road and Llantarnam to be extended 420 places in the future if required.

For more information on 21st Century Schools in Torfaen visit www.torfaen.gov.uk