We are delighted to announce work is due to continue at Ysgol Llyn Derw with Morgan Sindall Construction appointed as the lead contractor. Ysgol Llyn Derw an important new school project, designed by HLM Architects near Cosmeston Country Park. Designed to serve as a second site for Ysgol Y Deri, this Sixth Form will provide vital Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision to address the growing demand in the Vale of Glamorgan. The new sixth form college will allow areas of the existing Ysgol Y Deri site to be repurposed to for the expansion of the Primary and Secondary school.
Work to Continue at Ysgol Llyn Derw Sixth Form College
The new facility forms part of our work with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to help deliver the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, a long-term initiative focused on increasing the number of special education places available in the region. Ysgol Llyn Derw will enhance capacity while building on Ysgol Y Deri’s existing reputation for delivering exceptional support for pupils with complex physical, health, and educational needs.
Addressing a Growing Need
The original Ysgol Y Deri site was built to accommodate 205 pupils but is now oversubscribed, a trend expected to persist as more pupils require continued access to specialised support. Expanding the provision with this purpose-built split-site option ensures pupils can remain within the same trusted educational community while meeting future demand.
Located in close proximity to the original school in Penarth, the new Sixth form facility will create additional pupil places in a state-of-the-art learning environment, delivering benefits to current and future learners.
Angela Sheppard, Part II Architectural Assistant at HLM Architects, commented:
“Ysgol Y Deri’s expansion is another key project for the Vale of Glamorgan, providing essential spaces for pupils with Additional Learning Needs. We’re pleased to be part of delivering this vital infrastructure to better accommodate the diverse needs of pupils in the area.”
Robert Williams, Area Director of Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said:
‘’It’s a real pleasure to be working on Ysgol Llyn Derw such an important facility for the area. We can all see the demand for SEND schools rising, so it means a lot for the whole team to work on this specialised learning facility, supporting families and helping the next generation achieve their full potential.
In collaboration with Vale of Glamorgan Council and Morgan Sindall, this project is set to create an environment that will inspire pupils and provide the support that they need.”
Designing Spaces that work for Learners through Thoughtful Design
The school’s design prioritises both efficiency and the wellbeing of its pupils. Spread across two storeys, indoor spaces maintain a compact footprint while maximising external learning areas. Ground-floor classrooms connect seamlessly with outdoor spaces, fostering hands-on learning opportunities, while upper-floor classrooms benefit from ample daylight and connectivity to nature.
Externally, the landscape design will extend the school’s functionality, with areas for teaching, sport, play, and quiet reflection. Features include green roofs to enhance biodiversity and promote a connection with the surrounding environment.
Inside, a carefully selected neutral colour palette provides a calming effect for ALN pupils, with subtle accents in blue, yellow, orange, and green to highlight zones within the school. The layout has also been thoughtfully planned to ensure specialist facilities and community-use spaces are easily accessible.
A Legacy of Inclusion
Ysgol Y Deri is part of the Penarth Learning Community, Wales’ largest inclusive educational facility, completed in 2015. The development co-located five schools—both mainstream and additional learning needs—into a pioneering learning hub. Its legacy of inclusion and community spirit now continues with the Ysgol Llyn Derw expansion.
To explore the incredible work taking place at Ysgol Lyn Derw, viewers can watch ‘A Special School’ on BBC iPlayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer).
