Newport City Council will shortly be launching a public consultation on a proposal to amalgamate Monnow and Millbrook primary schools into one school.

The preferred option that the consultation will set out is to combine the schools into a single three-form entry school from September 2026. The new school will relocate to a new building on the current site of Millbrook Primary School, providing a new state-of-the-art school in Bettws.

The relocation would take place as soon as possible after the new building is completed. This is expected to be during the academic year beginning in September 2027.

The council has started initial discussions with staff and governors of both schools about the plans. The consultation on the plan will start in early January and last for six weeks.

The plan will see a brand new, carbon-neutral school build with sufficient capacity to meet the anticipated demand from the Bettws area, delivering improved learning facilities and a school fit for the future.

The new building will also be able to accommodate the same number of classes that currently operate in both existing schools. It is also forecast to be able to easily accommodate future predicted pupil numbers.

Alternative options, such as amalgamating the two schools on the existing Monnow site, or not merging the schools, have been considered. The council believes the biggest benefits can be realised by the plan to amalgamate on the Millbrook site.

As well as a new carbon-neutral school building with improved learning facilities, the benefits include a reduction in excess surplus pupil places, and revenue savings as a result of running fewer buildings.

“I’m pleased that we will soon begin consulting with parents, staff and other stakeholders on our plans for Bettws,” said Councillor Deb Davies, cabinet member for education and early years.

“We believe that this proposal will deliver the best outcomes for pupils, through providing them with a brand-new school building fit for the future.

“It is vital that the views of every person interested in the future of Millbrook and Monnow are heard during the consultation which will launch early next year. I would encourage anyone who wants to comment to have a read through our proposal and let us know your thoughts.”

More information about the consultation process, including full details on the proposal, will be made available early in the new year on the council’s website.

The consultation is due to start on 8 January and run until 19 February. Any changes to those dates will be communicated in advance by the council.