A school long described as “not fit for purpose”
Ysgol Heol Goffa, which supports children with additional learning needs, has been at the centre of one of Carmarthenshire’s most high‑profile education battles. Built for fewer than 100 pupils, the school is now stretched to accommodate nearly 150, with parents and staff warning for years that the building is overcrowded and inadequate.
In July, school governor Owen Jenkins told councillors the existing site was simply “not fit for purpose”, adding:
“Our pupils deserve the provision that they are entitled to. We’ll be pressing the local authority for a rigid timescale so we can know when the first spade will go into the ground.”
Years of delay and community anger
The promise of a new school dates back to 2017, when the council first committed to a £10m replacement. But the scheme was later cancelled as costs rose, sparking anger across Llanelli.
Campaigners branded the decision “an appalling scandal”, while more than 9,000 people signed a petition demanding action. Parents staged protests outside County Hall, and local MP Dame Nia Griffith accused the authority of failing some of the county’s most vulnerable children.
Cabinet backs a £35m new build
After months of pressure, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet voted in July 2025 to approve a new school for up to 150 pupils, at an estimated cost of between £28m and £35m.
Education cabinet member Glynog Davies described the new plan as “a much better outcome for pupils, parents and staff”, arguing that a 150‑pupil school was more achievable than the larger 250‑pupil option previously considered.
Parents Lana and Alex Dakin, whose son Jac attends the school, said they were relieved:
“It won’t undo the years our son has spent in a building that can’t meet his needs, but at least now there’s hope he’ll experience some of his school years in a setting that truly supports him.”
Headteacher Ceri Hopkins also welcomed the decision, saying the new setting would support the school’s “courageous and creative curriculum” by meeting all learning, physical and medical needs.
Latest update: design work shared
On 2 October, council officers met with the school’s Chair and Headteacher to present the schedule of accommodation for the new build. The school will now provide feedback before the design and costings are finalised.
Once agreed, the plans will move into a detailed timeline covering planning approval, statutory consultation under the School Organisation Code, and the Welsh Government’s business case process.
The Director of Education has also pledged to meet with the wider school community after the autumn half‑term break to share more details and answer questions.
“A centre of excellence”
In a joint statement, Owain Lloyd, Director of Education, and Headteacher Ceri Hopkins said:
“We remain committed to working closely to design, build and create a centre of excellence for the very well‑deserving pupils of Ysgol Heol Goffa.”
Families still cautious
Council leader Darren Price has described the project as “a really positive day” for education in Llanelli, but admitted the process will take time: “You don’t build a school overnight.”
For families and campaigners, today’s update is a welcome sign of progress — but after eight years of delays, reversals and political rows, they remain determined to hold the council to its word.
