Ysgol Dewi Sant

Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant was the very first Welsh medium primary school in Wales to be supported by any Local authority. The school provides education to children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old, with a focus on teaching foundational subjects such as literacy, numeracy, and science, as well as providing opportunities for children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities.

By 2021, much of the site was over 50 years old and suffered from a range of building problems such as damp, roof problems, electrical works, disabled access etc. The building also suffered from a lack of suitable teaching spaces with pupils taking lessons in corridors.

The Local Authority has been seeking to build a replacement school for many years, but having failed in their most recent planning application, they sought to make urgent repairs to the building in 2021 during the summer break.

Darkin Architects worked with the John Weaver Contractors to meet demanding timescales to complete the works within 2 months while the school was empty. All works were completed on time and pupils were able to use the new facilities from day one of the new term.

Key design team members in the Practice, including owner David Darkin are fluent Welsh speakers, ensuring the smooth delivery of works.