Marking 5 years of WEPCo with landmark Net Zero schools and campuses across Wales
As we reflect on the past five years at the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCo), we’re proud to see how far we’ve come in shaping the future of sustainable education – developing Net Zero education spaces serving thousands of pupils across Wales.
A joint venture between the Welsh Government via the Development Bank of Wales and Meridiam, WEPCo is the only organisation delivering Mutual Investment Model (MIM) education projects in Wales. In our first five years we have established our programme as a long-term, trusted partner and a delivery vehicle in shaping the nation’s educational infrastructure in a sustainable way. All our buildings are designed as Net Zero Carbon in operation and are maintained for 25 years as part of the programme – a long-term approach that safeguards the quality of education facilities, ensuring they remain fit for purpose and efficient to run.
Since our launch in 2020, we’ve delivered landmark projects including the flagship Mynydd Isa Campus in Flintshire – bringing primary, secondary and community learning under one roof – and three pioneering Net Zero primary schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf, with further developments such as Cardiff & Vale College already underway.
Mynydd Isa Campus – Flintshire
Earlier this year, we were proud to mark the practical completion of the new Mynydd Isa Campus – a major milestone in our journey and a testament to what collaboration can achieve. Delivered through MIM, this state-of-the-art campus is designed to be Net Zero in operation and built to BREEAM Excellent standards, reflecting our commitment to tackling climate change while providing a high-quality environment for learners.
Welcoming pupils from ages three to 16, the campus offers a seamless education journey from early years through to secondary school. With modern, flexible spaces and community-focused facilities, it’s designed to inspire students, support teachers, and provide a shared hub for local residents.
Mynydd Isa Campus – Flintshire
Earlier this year, we were proud to mark the practical completion of the new Mynydd Isa Campus – a major milestone in our journey and a testament to what collaboration can achieve. Delivered through MIM, this state-of-the-art campus is designed to be Net Zero in operation and built to BREEAM Excellent standards, reflecting our commitment to tackling climate change while providing a high-quality environment for learners.
Welcoming pupils from ages three to 16, the campus offers a seamless education journey from early years through to secondary school. With modern, flexible spaces and community-focused facilities, it’s designed to inspire students, support teachers, and provide a shared hub for local residents.
Mynydd Isa Campus…[is]… a pioneering development designed with long-term sustainability and resilience at its heart. As the Council’s first Net Zero Carbon in Operation school, the campus exemplifies a commitment to balancing immediate educational needs with the long-term goal of reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact. Through WEPCo’s 25-year energy performance monitoring commitment, the building will continue to meet efficiency targets and inform future policy development. 
Jennie Williams, Senior Manager – Schools Planning & Provision at Flintshire County Council
For us, Mynydd Isa Campus is more than just a new campus, it represents a long-term investment in the community’s future, delivering a supportive and inclusive environment where learners can thrive. As the campus opens its doors, we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have for generations to come.
Schools across South Wales – Rhondda Cynon Taff
Across Rhondda Cynon Taf, we’ve been proud to support the delivery of three brand-new Net Zero primary schools – Llanilltud Faerdref, Penygawsi, and Pontyclun – in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and the Welsh Government. These schools mark the first educational projects in Wales to be delivered through MIM.
In Pontyclun an ultra-modern two-storey school caters for nursery through to Year 6, centred around a shared hub and complemented by welcoming outdoor amenities.
We were also honoured to attend the official opening of Penygawsi Primary School, joining pupils, teachers, and the First Minister, Eluned Morgan, to mark the occasion and celebrate this important milestone. It was especially rewarding to hear the First Minister recognise the quality, consistency, and community impact of our approach. These acknowledgments not only affirm the direction we’ve taken but energise our commitment to delivering educational spaces that foster ambition and inclusion.
Meanwhile, Llanilltud Faerdref Primary went on to win the prestigious ‘Inspiring Design’ Award at the Education Building Wales Conference in June 2025.
Andrea Richards, Service Director (21st Century Schools and Transformation) at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said:
We have been delighted to have worked with WEPCo on our three primary school projects which have been funded by the Council in partnership with the Welsh Government through the Mutual Investment Model (MIM). Working together we have successfully completed the first educational project in Wales to be delivered via this model.
This model of investment has provided us with a project which comprises three exceptional primary school buildings, which will serve current and future pupils and communities of Rhondda Cynon Taf for many generations to come. The Council, staff, learners, and governors are extremely proud of these new schools which offer so much to the learner experience, as well as enhancing staff wellbeing.
Building Wales’ First Net Zero College
Another highlight of our first 5 years has been our work with Cardiff and Vale College’s to deliver Wales’ first Net Zero in Operation Further Education campuses – Barry Waterfront Campus and Advanced Technology Centre.
In partnership with Bouygues UK and Robertson Facilities Management, these landmark sites will provide world-class facilities for up to 3,000 learners, from robotics and green skills training to hands-on, community-facing spaces like a training restaurant and salon.
This project represents a major step forward for sustainable learning in Wales, combining innovation, education, and social value – and ensuring future generations have the skills and opportunities to thrive.
Building Wales’ First Net Zero College
Another highlight of our first 5 years has been our work with Cardiff and Vale College’s to deliver Wales’ first Net Zero in Operation Further Education campuses – Barry Waterfront Campus and Advanced Technology Centre.
In partnership with Bouygues UK and Robertson Facilities Management, these landmark sites will provide world-class facilities for up to 3,000 learners, from robotics and green skills training to hands-on, community-facing spaces like a training restaurant and salon.
This project represents a major step forward for sustainable learning in Wales, combining innovation, education, and social value – and ensuring future generations have the skills and opportunities to thrive.
What we’ve achieved for Wales
To date, WEPCo projects have created educational spaces for more than 5,000 learners and delivered over 40 community initiatives, while generating more than 80 jobs and providing upwards of 3,000 weeks of training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Central to WEPCo’s mission is maximising social value by harnessing and utilising Welsh talent. From engaging local partners and supply chains, to creating opportunities for apprentices and graduates, WEPCo ensures its projects benefit people and communities across Wales. Through initiatives such as the Knowledge Quad, run in partnership with Morgan Sindall, the company is also inspiring the next generation to consider careers in STEM – from interactive sessions with children to hands-on work experience placements.
Beyond Wales
In addition to delivering projects on home turf, WEPCo has been asked to approach and advise other governments on how best to implement the MIM model, sharing Welsh expertise internationally. Recent discussions with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan underline our growing role as a thought leader in innovative, inspiring funding and infrastructure delivery models.
Our CEO, Christian Stanbury said:
Reaching our fifth anniversary is about much more than a milestone – it’s about celebrating the thousands of learners, teachers and communities now benefitting from the schools and campuses we’ve helped to deliver.
From flagship Net Zero projects like Mynydd Isa to award-winning primary schools, our focus has always been on creating sustainable spaces that will stand the test of time. We’re proud of what has been achieved in just five years, and we’re excited to continue working with our partners across Wales to shape the next generation of education facilities.