Construction company Leadbitter is on course to complete Padre Pio Roman Catholic Primary School on Conway Road in Pontypool, which will benefit over 200 pupils.

The new school has been built to accommodate pupils from the former St Alban’s and St Francis Roman Catholic Primary Schools in Newport, which are now closed.

Under the £3.4 million development, funded by the Archdiocese of Cardiff, the landmark building, designed in the shape of a crescent, will include a large main hall, seven classrooms, modern IT facilities, playground and parking. 

The new building incorporates numerous construction innovations including some of the latest environmentally friendly technology such as a biomass boiler which will supply the school with all of its heating and hot water, whilst reducing carbon emissions. The specially designed roof captures rainwater which is then recycled and used for flushing.    

Paul Welsh, Head Teacher, said: "The opening of Padre Pio School is the beginning of a new era in the lives of St Francis and St Alban’s Schools.

"We have all been following the building works with growing excitement and are greatly looking forward to working in an environment that can only enhance the learning opportunities for our pupils.

"Our children have already made a contribution to the new school by working with a local artist to design a striking mosaic for the school entrance".

Father David Hayman, Chairman of the Governing Body and Parish Priest, added: "It’s an extremely exciting time for everyone connected to the school.

"St Alban’s and St Francis Primary Schools have served the local community well for more than 140 years and we have been fortunate enough to educate two current MPs in Saint Francis School, Don Touhig and Paul Murphy.

"We now look forward to the environment and technological platform of Padre Pio School enabling us to better meet the requirements of the new curricula within our distinctively Catholic ethos." 

Rob Bradley, Leadbitter Regional Director, said: "Padre Pio Roman Catholic Primary School will be an inspirational place of learning.

"All seven classrooms are arranged chronologically from west to east starting from the reception class through to Year 6.

"All classrooms are served from the crescent shaped circulation route that runs through the building and also by access points to the outside playground areas."