
Portfield School pupils leave their mark on new building
The students attended a 'topping-out' ceremony to celebrate the completion of the highest point of their new school building.
At the event, they had the chance to sign one of the first steel beams and leave handprints on a wall, symbolising their integral role in the school community and the promising future ahead.
The event was hosted by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd and attended by staff, pupils, governors, senior council officers, and project team members.
Headteacher Sarah Hartley said: "We were thrilled to involve our pupils in this important moment.
"The new building represents a new chapter for Portfield School, and it's wonderful that our children could be part of its foundations."
Councillor Guy Woodham, the council's cabinet member for education and the Welsh language, expressed his satisfaction with the progress.
He said: "Whilst I was unable to attend the event myself, my colleagues have shared with me their experience of the event, and the excellent progress being made on the new building at the school.
"This development will provide much needed modern, inclusive accommodation for the learners, and I am particularly pleased that the project remains on budget, and on programme, which means that Portfield School will be in a position to move into the building in December 2025."
Pupils shared their excitement about the event.
One said: "We had to wear protective clothing before entering the building site.
"Being able to write my name on one of the walls in the new building was really cool.
"I am very grateful to have been chosen to write my name in the new build, it is extremely cool.
"Even though I am leaving this year, my name will be there forever."
The project is being funded by the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council as part of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Capital programme.
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