Thousands of pupils across Wales are now learning in state-of-the-art, Net Zero schools thanks to the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCo) – which this month marks five years of transforming the nation’s education spaces.
Since its launch in 2020, WEPCo has delivered landmark projects including three pioneering Net Zero primary schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf, with further developments such as Cardiff & Vale College already underway, and the flagship Mynydd Isa Campus in Flintshire – which brings primary, secondary and community learning under one roof. One of the RCT schools, Llanilltud Faerdref Primary, went on to win the prestigious ‘Inspiring Design’ Award at the Education Building Wales Conference in June 2025.
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. The programme has established itself as a long-term, trusted partner and a delivery vehicle in shaping the nation’s educational infrastructure in a sustainable way. All WEPCo buildings are designed as Net Zero Carbon in operation and are maintained for 25 years as part of the programme. This long-term approach safeguards the quality of education facilities, ensuring they remain fit for purpose and efficient to run.
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.”
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.
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.
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 WEPCo’s growing role as a thought leader in innovative, inspiring funding and infrastructure delivery models.
Christian Stanbury, CEO of WEPCo 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.”