A new specialist sixth form for young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) has officially opened in the Vale of Glamorgan, following a visit from the Welsh Government's Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language.
Ysgol Llyn Derw, located on land near Cosmeston Country Park, has been created by the Vale of Glamorgan Council in response to growing demand for specialist post-16 education provision across the county.
The new school, named by pupils, operates as an additional site for Ysgol y Deri in Penarth, which gained national attention through the BBC documentary A Special School.
Its opening forms part of the council's ongoing work with the Welsh Government through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, a long-term initiative designed to increase specialist education places across Wales.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “The opening of Ysgol Llyn Derw marks an important milestone for education in the Vale of Glamorgan and, most importantly, for the pupils and families who will benefit from this outstanding new facility.
“The demand for specialist ALN provision has grown significantly, and this new sixth form site will provide much-needed additional capacity while ensuring that pupils with complex needs can access a high-quality learning environment designed around their individual needs.
“The new school also demonstrates our approach to creating sustainable and environmentally responsible schools, in line with the Council’s Project Zero goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. From solar panels and energy-efficient materials to green roofs, new planting and measures to support local wildlife, environmental considerations have been embedded throughout the design. These features will not only help reduce the school’s carbon impact, but also create a greener environment for pupils to learn and spend time in.
“It is also particularly fitting that the school has been named by pupils themselves, reflecting the importance of putting young people at the heart of this development. Ysgol Llyn Derw builds on the success and ethos of Ysgol y Deri, creating further opportunities for young people to learn, develop their independence and prepare for their futures.”
Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, visited the site as part of the official opening and praised the new facility.
She said: “It was a pleasure to visit Ysgol Llyn Derw and see this fantastic example of inclusive school design giving pupils the state-of-the-art facilities and supportive environment they deserve. This £22 million investment, with its commitment to Net Zero Carbon, reflects our Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme and our determination to ensure every learner can thrive. I wish staff, learners, and the wider community every success as they begin this new chapter beneath a truly impressive new roof.”
Delivered in partnership with contractor Morgan Sindall, the purpose-built school has been designed around the wellbeing and needs of its pupils.
The two-storey building maintains a compact footprint while making the most of outdoor learning opportunities. Ground-floor classrooms provide direct access to external learning spaces for practical and hands-on activities, while upper-floor classrooms benefit from natural daylight and views across the surrounding landscape.
Inside, a carefully selected neutral colour palette has been used to create a calm and welcoming environment for learners with additional learning needs.
A strong emphasis has also been placed on sustainability. Green roofs have been installed to enhance biodiversity and strengthen links with the site's natural surroundings, while bird and bat boxes, insect habitats, new trees and wildflower planting have all been incorporated to support local wildlife.
The school is powered by solar panels and a hybrid generator, alongside a range of other environmentally friendly features designed to reduce its carbon footprint and support the council's ambition of becoming carbon neutral.
Ysgol Llyn Derw will provide a purpose-designed setting for students to continue their education beyond the age of 16, with facilities aimed at supporting learning, wellbeing, independence and preparation for life after school.
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