12-07-2025
£70m net-zero carbon school officially opens in Abergavenny
King Henry VIII 3-19 School in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, is the first operationally net-zero carbon all-through school in Wales.
Funded by Monmouthshire County Council and the Welsh Government through the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, the project marks a major investment in sustainable education.
Cllr Laura Wright, Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet member for education, said: "This building is more than bricks and mortar.
"It's a beacon for a modern education system in Wales, designed to inspire, to nurture, and to empower our young people."
An official opening took place on July 10 and was attended by Welsh Government cabinet secretary for education Lynne Neagle.
Ms Neagle said: "As our first operationally net-zero carbon all-through school, not only will our learners benefit from high-quality facilities, but they will also benefit from learning in a sustainable school environment.
"What has been achieved here is truly inspiring for our learners."
The school's through-school strategy was showcased with performances from pupils of all ages.
Monmouthshire County Council was also named Client of the Year at the Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards for its leadership on the project.
The council will now represent Wales at the UK National Awards later this year.
