Posted on: Tuesday 17 March 2026
A new community education initiative in Torfaen is helping disengaged pupils re‑enter learning, build confidence and gain qualifications.
Hwb@Noddfa, a partnership between Abersychan School and Noddfa Church, is currently supporting 18 pupils who have struggled to engage in mainstream education.
The programme, which started in 2024, offers an alternative learning environment based at Noddfa Church in Abersychan, where pupils attend Monday to Friday.
Students follow a bespoke timetable that includes English, Maths and Science, alongside a range of life‑skills and enrichment activities.
The pupils, from years 9, 10 and 11, also work towards NCFE Life Skills and IFS qualifications, as well as the King’s Trust Achieve Programme.
For three days a week volunteers from Noddfa Church support mini community projects with the pupils, all designed to build practical skills and confidence.
Most recently they have packed food parcels, litter picked, served at coffee mornings, and created sleeping kits for the homeless.
Pastor John Funnell, at Noddfa Church, said: “It is so important that we give the next generation the best possible start in life. Noddfa Church is delighted to serve our valley in this way. Abersychan School is making significant progress and I want to thank all the faculty for their hard work."
The initiative is in partnership between Abersychan School and Noddfa Church, with three members of staff from the school delivering teaching throughout the week, alongside another teacher and support volunteers from the church.
The school reports a positive impact, with exclusion rates falling by 80% and attendance improving by 40% for all pupils taking part. Many are also on track to gain qualifications that they may otherwise have missed.
Rhodri Thomas, Headteacher at Abersychan School, said: “I’m extremely proud that Abersychan School can offer this provision to students who may have otherwise struggled in mainstream education.
"With limited Pupil Referral Unit places, the bespoke teaching and curriculum at Hwb@Noddfa has been transformational. Students are happy, engaged and thriving, with some students returning partially or fully to mainstream education.
"The partnership with Noddfa Church has been crucial to the success of this project and I’m delighted that the value of this work has been recognised during our summer Estyn inspection."
Noddfa Church volunteers also play an active role in supporting Garnteg Primary School, by providing extra-curricular activities ranging from chess clubs to creative arts and wellbeing activities to help children build confidence and social skills.
The church also leads wider community projects with the pupils in the school such as Carols Under the Arch and the upcoming Summer Under the Arch.