It was a real honour to officially open the new Torfaen Learning Zone, a couple of weeks ago.

As someone who has long campaigned for the post-16 education college to be built for learners in Torfaen it was wonderful to see it open and full of students.

It was great, too, to get the opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who have worked so hard over many years to deliver this landmark development for young people – in particular colleagues at Torfaen Council and Coleg Gwent who have kept faith with this project through the years, despite all the challenges.

I’m also really pleased that the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme helped fund the new building. This wonderful new facility for learners in Torfaen really is a testament to the power of partnership working.

The new £24m centre has state-of-the-art facilities including a music and media suite, performance hall and science laboratories.

The building is also fully accessible with specialist facilities for pupils with Additional Learning Needs including hearing loops and specially designed signage and colour schemes to help the visually impaired find their way around the site. The building also benefits from CCTV and security controlled swipe card access.

Since it opened to students in April more than 1,300 students have enrolled onto A-Level courses, a range of vocational qualifications, foundation degrees and the Welsh Baccalaureate – making it home to all post-16 education in the borough and replacing three English medium sixth form schools in Pontypool and Cwmbran.

A couple of weeks before the official opening, I was invited on a guided tour of the bright, light, modern campus with Principal Guy Lacey and Head of Learner Services Sian Hughes. It was fantastic to see and hear how much thought had gone into making the building a welcoming and inspiring place to learn and to hear students being so positive about the facilities.

I was especially pleased to hear about the work the college is doing to support the mental health of students and staff and to put well-being at the heart of their provision. This is absolutely crucial if young people are to achieve their potential.

The coronavirus pandemic has been incredibly tough on our young people and it is just brilliant to see this amazing college up and running!