Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun School 

Overview

The expansion of Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun delivers a modern learning environment that supports the increasing demand for Welsh-medium education in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Designed to increase capacity by 187 student places, this project integrates new teaching spaces, sports facilities, and community amenities to provide a high-quality educational setting for future generations.

The new 3,000m² teaching block includes 10 modern classrooms, community rooms, drama and music facilities, alongside an advanced 4-court sports hall, activity studio, fitness suite, and changing facilities. Additional works included a new school reception, a 45-space parking area, and the removal of outdated temporary classrooms.

Delivered within a live school environment, the project required meticulous planning to ensure zero disruption to learning, while overcoming global supply chain challenges and drainage infrastructure complexities.

Project Delivery & Challenges Overcome

Operating within the confined site of a live school, safety and logistical efficiency were paramount. The project team implemented a “Green Go, Red No” movement embargo during school hours, restricting construction activities to ensure the safety of students and staff. This approach was embedded in supply chain agreements and actively enforced, leading to zero lost learning time throughout the project.

The project also faced significant drainage issues, which were identified during early site investigations. Rather than allowing delays to impact the build programme, the team developed a custom drainage system for the new facilities, while also upgrading the existing school’s infrastructure to improve long-term sustainability and flood resilience.

Despite global material shortages caused by Covid-19 and the Suez Canal crisis, Willmott Dixon proactively secured early orders for key materials, preventing cost escalation and delays. Strategic procurement decisions, including using larger, more efficient Eurobond composite cladding panels, enabled cost savings while maintaining design integrity.

By combining collaborative pre-construction planning, early stakeholder engagement, and flexible phasing strategies, the project was delivered on time and within the agreed budget, ensuring the school could welcome students into the new facilities as planned.

Modern Learning & Community Facilities

The new education and sports facilities at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun provide an inspirational environment for both students and the wider community. Key features include:

• Ten new classrooms, designed to create modern, energy-efficient learning spaces.

• A four-court sports hall, fitness suite, and activity studio, enhancing PE and well-being provision.

• Community rooms and multi-use spaces, fostering collaboration between the school and local residents.

• New drama and music facilities, enabling students to develop creative and performance skills.

• Improved site infrastructure, including a new reception area, expanded parking, and landscaped outdoor spaces.

This transformation ensures that students and the local community have access to state-of-the-art educational and recreational facilities, supporting long-term social and academic development.

Sustainability & Environmental Commitment

Sustainability was at the core of the project, ensuring long-term carbon efficiency and environmental responsibility:

• BREEAM Excellent certification achieved, demonstrating best-practice sustainability.

• 400 tCO₂ life cycle carbon savings through a fabric-first approach and TM54 energy modelling.

• 500m² of solar PV panels installed, significantly reducing operational energy use.

• 95% of construction waste diverted from landfill, including the reuse of excavated material on donor sites.

• Recycled materials used in cladding, contributing to reduced embodied carbon.

• Ecological Net Gain of 118%, enhancing local biodiversity post-development.
These initiatives not only ensure energy efficiency and low-carbon operation, but also create a sustainable learning environment for future generations.

Community & Social Impact

The project delivered a 21.5% social return on investment, going beyond construction to support the local community, workforce development, and education. Key achievements included:

• 1,015 weeks of employment and training, with 274 weeks dedicated to long-term unemployed individuals.

• 22 apprentices supported, providing hands-on experience and career progression opportunities.

• 1,384 student engagements, including school visits, STEM workshops, and career talks.

• 11 new jobs created, ensuring economic benefits remained within the local area.

• £2,643 in community donations, supporting local charities and education initiatives.

• 262 volunteer hours contributed, including refurbishments of Penywaun Community Centre and St Winifred’s Church.

Additionally, the project team employed a local neighbour as a community liaison and site cleaner, strengthening ties between the school, contractor, and local residents.

Client Feedback

Achieving a 9.7/10 customer satisfaction score, the project was praised for its seamless delivery, strong communication, and high-quality finish.

"Willmott Dixon listen; they are very capable, very competent as a company. They are well structured, the people they employ are knowledgeable in their fields. They were on time, on budget, they were a very professional company."

— Kerry Chinnock, Project Manager, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council