Work on the new Catholic school in Rhyl is likely to start in May.

Denbighshire County Council has welcomed confirmation from the Welsh Government that the Final Business Case for the new Catholic school in Rhyl for pupils aged three to 16 has been approved.

The project will be funded in partnership by Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government, through its 21st Century Schools and Education Capital Programme.

The proposal is to build a new 3-16 school building to replace Ysgol Mair/ St. Mary’s primary Catholic school and Blessed Edward Jones Catholic high school. The new school would be an English medium school for 420 full time pupils aged 3-11 years old and 500 pupils aged 11-16.

Education secretary Kirsty Williams said: “Our national mission is to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence. Our 21st Century Schools and Education Programme plays a key part in this and is the largest investment in our schools and colleges since the 1960s.”

“I am delighted the Welsh Government’s investment in this £24m project is having a positive impact on education and learning in Denbighshire. The new school will be a vital resource for the whole community.”

Bishop Peter M. Brignall of the Diocese of Wrexham said: “I am delighted another significant step forward for this project has been achieved. This exciting proposal of a new and innovative 3-16 school in Rhyl for Denbighshire and the Diocese of Wrexham will greatly enhance the learning opportunities for our young people in the facilities, resources and ethos provided by the on-going and fruitful partnership of Welsh Government, Local Authority and the Catholic Church.”

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Young People and the Welsh Language, said: “This is a significant milestone for the brand new build for the new 3-16 school. We look forward to continuing to work with the Diocese of Wrexham on this project as the Council continue to invest in improving the learning environment for the children and young people of the County.”

Subject to Planning Approval, it is hoped that work at the site will commence in May.