The region’s latest brand-new Welsh Medium school Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Dur has opened in the heart of Neath Port Talbot.

The new building, worth £18 million, has welcomed approximately 230 pupils in Year 7 and 8 who have formerly attended Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera and three local primary schools, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan, Tyle’r Ynn and Castell-nedd.

The brand-new campus boasts teaching and support resources of the highest order, including sports facilities and pitches which can benefit the wider community.

This investment in Welsh Medium education was realised with funding from the Welsh Government, 21st Century Schools Project and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

This means that those pupils who for years have had to face a long journey to access Welsh Medium education at Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera, now can continue their studies in their local community.

The school remains part of Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera, and Headteacher, Matthew Evans is delighted by the opening of this excellent facility in the South of the County Borough.

He said: “We are extremely pleased that Ystalyfera is able to extend its provision for local children and young people within their own communities.

“Bro Dur is a tremendous investment which sees the benefit of Welsh Medium Education extended within Neath Port Talbot and we are looking forward eagerly to develop new partnerships in the near future.

“That is why the school is hosting an open doors event at Bro Dur next Tuesday, 11th of September from 3.30 – 6.30pm, in order to start these vital relationships”.

The name “Bro Dur” was chosen by pupils and is translated as “Steel Community” or “Land of Steel”.

The campus was built by contractors Bouygues UK on budget and on time for the September start.

Pupils at the school were delighted to finally enjoy the stunning new resources at the school, and described their enthusiasm in establishing a new school in Port Talbot.

Chair of the Governing Body, Cllr. Alun Llewelyn noted his delight: “This starts a brand-new chapter in the history of Welsh Medium education in Neath Port Talbot.

“This academic year we will be celebrating the opening of Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera in 1969 with only 330 pupils.

“The fact that we are opening Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Dur this year continues the fine tradition of Ystalyfera for a new generation of children and young people of this area.

"I wish them all possible success for the future.”