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New Schools Open at Fairwater Community Campus in Cardiff
Cardiff’s latest educational facilities, Riverbank School and Woodlands High School, have officially opened at the newly constructed Fairwater Community Campus, providing an additional 142 places for children with additional learning needs (ALN). The new campus represents a significant investment of £110 million in inclusive education and is part of the Western Learning Federation.
The community campus is home to three schools: Cantonian High School, which opened earlier this year, along with the newly opened Riverbank and Woodlands schools. Previously located in Ely, these two schools have relocated to the state-of-the-art site, which features modern amenities designed to enhance the learning experience.
Riverbank School now accommodates 112 pupils, increased from its former capacity of 70, while Woodlands High School has expanded its enrollment from 140 to 240. This growth addresses the rising demand for ALN placements in Cardiff.
Both schools offer a range of facilities, including learning and wellbeing zones, sensory rooms, an immersion room, music and drama spaces, a gym, and dedicated areas for therapy. Notably, there is an e-sports room at Woodlands and a role-play cabin for pupils at Riverbank.
The Fairwater Community Campus is designed with a focus on sustainability, featuring net zero carbon initiatives and outdoor growing areas. Additional amenities include a community café and spaces for families and meetings, as well as a multi-agency hub that supports collaboration between health and education professionals.
Wayne Murphy, executive headteacher at the Western Learning Federation, highlighted the exciting opportunities presented by the new buildings, stating that the campus is tailored to create inspiring learning environments.
While the schools share the campus, they operate as distinct entities, each maintaining their unique identity and governing body to serve their respective student populations.
