A new school for Radnorshire and north Breconshire has opened its doors for the first time.

Ysgol Calon Cymru welcomed hundreds of pupils to the former sites of Builth Wells and Llandrindod High Schools on the first day of the new school year today.

Powys’ newest school is led by headteacher Ionwen Spowage, alongside deputy headteachers Stephen Patten and Lee Powell, and assistant headteachers Gwennan Nicholas and Sian Dyke.

County Times:

Ionwen Spowage is the headteacher of Ysgol Calon Cymru (Picture: Phil Blagg)

Mr Patten and Mrs Nicholas are based at the Llandrindod Campus on Dyffryn Road while Mr Powell and Miss Dyke are based at the Builth Wells Campus on College Road.

The new 11 to 18 bilingual school provides English-medium education on both campuses, with Welsh First Language provision based at the Builth Wells Campus.

The school’s new logo is a red Celtic knot which was designed with the help of the school’s pupils.

The new uniform consists of a white shirt, navy and red striped tie, and navy jumper or cardigan with red trim and school logo.

Earlier this year, Ysgol Calon Cymru was allocated £3.6 million as part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme.

The money will go towards investing and modernising existing facilities, initially at the Llandrindod Campus, for mid Powys’ future generations.

In a letter to parents, Mrs Spowage, headteacher, said: “It is a privilege to have been appointed and entrusted with the job of leading our new school. It is important that we are ambitious for our students and our school and I am confident that our students will respond positively to a challenge.

“My vision for the school is to ensure that the needs of all of our children are met in all areas of school life and that each child is given a wealth of experience and opportunities. This in turn, will guarantee they make excellent progress, and leave Ysgol Calon Cymru with the necessary skills and attitudes to lead successful and fulfilling lives.

“I look forward to watching your children grow in confidence and knowledge during their time at Ysgol Calon Cymru and thank you in advance for the support I know you will give all members of our school community, in the years to come.”