The redevelopment of St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School has reached a key milestone, with council representatives and contractors gathering for an official steel‑signing ceremony at the site of the new building.
The project forms the final stage of the major overhaul of Barry’s secondary schools, following the construction of new facilities at Pencoedtre High School and Whitmore High School, and the expansion of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg.
Signing one of the steel beams that will form part of the new structure marked a symbolic moment in the redevelopment, which will replace the school’s ageing buildings with modern, purpose‑built facilities for more than 1,100 pupils.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: "The redevelopment of St Richard Gwyn is an important part of our Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which has transformed school facilities across the Vale.
"This steel signing ceremony is a significant milestone and an exciting reminder of the progress being made. Once complete, pupils and staff will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities designed to support learning, wellbeing and achievement for generations to come.
"Together with the developments at Pencoedtre, Whitmore and Bro Morgannwg, this project completes the transformation of secondary education in Barry and represents a major investment in the future of our young people."
Construction of the new school building is expected to finish next year, with full demolition of the existing structures scheduled for completion by December 2028.
The redevelopment will deliver modern classrooms, specialist spaces for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), a school hall equipped with professional sound and lighting systems, a 3G sports pitch and a Multi‑Use Games Area that will also be available for community use.
Sustainability is a central feature of the scheme, which incorporates eco‑friendly materials, energy‑efficient systems and solar technology to reduce carbon emissions in line with the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Project Zero ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Plans also include landscaped outdoor areas, improved active travel routes and a vegetation‑covered roof designed to support biodiversity and improve drainage.

Vueling withdraws winter flights to Aicante this winter
Playground in Barry forced to close after fire damages equipment
Campaigners Take Fight for Fairer Pathways in Welsh Women’s Football to Parliament
Vale Councillor Gwyn John Launches His First Novel at Llantwit Major Book Signing
Pink poppy display commences with celebration of life
Former Barry office block converted into new homes for people at risk of homelessness
Welsh Government publishes independent report on Level 4 intervention at Cardiff and Vale UHB
Three CoastSnap stations set to be installed along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Daffodil Runner statue installed at Marie Curie Hospice in Penarth
Woman Dies After Incident in Leckwith as Police Investigation Continues
Vale entrepreneur wins national Innovate UK award for sustainable construction technology
Cardiff Airport retains top accessibility rating as regulator reports record demand for assistance
Open Doors event to showcase hidden world of Glamorgan Archives
New details have emerged of a new tree-lined public square that will replace a traffic dominated junction
Dyffryn Gardens’ Edwardian rose garden blooms again after decade-long restoration
Barry’s Own Daniel White to Walk 190 Miles Back to Where His Round Table Story Began
1,300 people attend Flying Start Family Fun Day
Dispersal order put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour
Interim Chief Executive Appointed at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff Theatre Marks 50 Years of Service for Long‑Standing Staff Member