St Gerard’s School in Bangor has marked the start of the new academic year by bringing its primary and secondary pupils together under one roof for the first time in its 109-year history. The move comes after a summer of significant investment in the school’s facilities, aimed at accommodating a 16% rise in pupil numbers over the past year.
The Ffriddoedd Road site has undergone a series of upgrades, including a new car park, toilet block, enhanced access points, improved fencing, and updated signage. Major work has also been carried out on the school’s roof, and a £150,000 heating system featuring seven state-of-the-art boilers has been installed. The improvements are part of the school’s broader efforts to create a more unified and welcoming environment for all students.
Headteacher Campbell Harrison expressed his excitement about the changes, describing the new academic year as a “new dawn” for St Gerard’s. The school has recently achieved some of the best GCSE and A Level results in Wales, with more than double the national average of A*/A grades for both qualifications.
“The decision to bring the primary school children into the main building and further invest in their facilities, including new uniforms, was crucial for the school’s development,” said Mr Harrison. “These upgrades are part of our ongoing efforts to create a warm, supportive environment for all our learners. St Gerard’s has always been a positive setting for both pupils and staff, and with these recent improvements, we are entering this academic year with renewed confidence.”
Among the new additions to the school are an extended ‘wellness walk’ and improved play surfaces. Plans for further development are already underway, with future proposals focused on enhancing sports facilities. These include new five-a-side football pitches, tennis courts, and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). The school is also seeking planning permission to install floodlights, allowing the sports facilities to be used for longer periods.
Steve Griffiths, the school’s Business Manager, acknowledged the challenges facing the education sector but expressed optimism, thanks to the strong support from parents, carers, and the wider community. He also highlighted the improvements made to both the internal and external areas of the school, noting that the school’s sixth form common room and libraries are set for refurbishment, with plans to integrate digital platforms and screens.
“The investment we’ve made in chairs, desks, equipment, and more has transformed the school,” said Mr Griffiths. “Our focus on academic excellence continues, with the outstanding results our pupils achieved this summer serving as evidence of the school’s success. The upcoming developments in sports facilities will further enhance the student experience.”
To showcase the new facilities and raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, St Gerard’s is hosting an open day on Friday, 27 September. The event will run from 9 am to 4 pm and will feature coffee, cake, and an opportunity for prospective pupils and families to explore the transformed campus.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone,” added Mr Griffiths.
