KING Henry VIII?School in Abergavenny received a major boost last week after councillors agreed to prioritise its £40m rebuild.

Councillors pushed the major redevelopment ahead of a project originally lined up for a Chepstow school.

The proposal to revamp King Henry VIII school in Abergavenny will cost in the region of £40m, with half the money coming from the Welsh Government’s 21st century schools programme.

Councillor Richard John, cabinet member for children and young people, told members last week there was a ‘clear and compelling’ case for the redevelopment to jump ahead in the queue.

Members said King Henry VIII should take priority given its in a deprived area, and compels a greater need than Chepstow in the overall project, the first phase of which opened a new school in Caldicot last month and was due to open a new building in nearby Monmouth next year.

Three Chepstow councillors warned the wait for improvment at their local school could be up to ten years, calling the move a ‘slap in the face’ for locals.

Councillor John (pictured left), said, “I am delighted that our initial plans for a brand new school for King Henry VIII in Abergavenny have passed their first hurdle and been endorsed by the county’s cabinet. 

“Following two new secondary schools in Caldicot and Monmouth, I am proud that this Conservative-run council is committed to renewing King Henry VIII so more pupils can study in a state-of-the-art modern learning environment. 

 “These proposals are at a very early developmental stage and represent a significant financial challenge to the authority so are dependent on Welsh Government backing.  I am hopeful of Ministers’ support.”

The move also garnered support from Labour’s leader at MCC, Dimitri Batrouni (pictured above).

He said, “I completely support the redevelopment of King Henry School. It is badly needed. The children in Abergavenny deserve 21st century school facilities.”