THE First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has today opened a new state-of-the-art primary school in the Rhymney Valley.

The Idris Davies School has replaced the former Abertysswg and Pontlottyn Primary Schools and merged with the existing Rhymney comprehensive school to form the three to 18 campus.

Supported with more than £4m of Welsh Government funding, the school will provide education facilities for pupils and staff to help drive up educational standards across the county.

During the visit, the First Minister said: “It’s a pleasure to officially open the new Idris Davies School. Named after the renowned Welsh poet, the school is steeped in history – but, today, we bring the school fully into the 21st century.

“It has been good to speak with pupils and hear first-hand how the state-of-the-art facilities in this new campus are helping them learn, feel inspired, and get the most out of the school day.”

During the official opening, the First Minister and the invited guests were treated to a concert by the school children.

The school has an extensive outdoor area with play equipment, a planting area for the garden club and an amphitheatre for outdoor teaching and events.

The Idris Davies School will also be home to a state-of-the-art Flying Start part time childcare facility, providing mornings sessions for children and Families First parenting programmes.