Staff and pupils said farewell to Lansdowne Primary in Cardiff with a picnic and celebrations
11:23, 24 Oct 2025Updated 14:20, 29 Oct 2025
Children and staff packed up their school and said a heartfelt goodbye and "thank you" before it moves to new premises after 137 years.
Lansdowne Primary School, in Canton, Cardiff, has run from its Norfolk Street location for well over a century, through two world wars, the pandemic and huge social and political change.
Pupils, staff, and families came together to honour the school’s history before it relocateds to a new site, less than half a mile away on the old Fitzalan School site after half term.
Celebrations included a dress-up day reflecting the school’s past eras, classroom explorations of how Lansdowne has changed over time, making memory boards with photos and stories from past and present pupils, staff and families. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
There was also a whole-school picnic with music through the ages as entertainment.
Headteacher Michelle Jons said: “We wanted to say thank you to Norfolk Street, we’re simply turning the page to a new chapter, 127 years of Lansdowne won’t be left behind in these walls - those years will live in us and shape our future.
“We feel proud of what we have built here and look ahead with excitement, with courage and with the same Lansdowne spirit that’s carried us this far.”
Cardiff Council said the redevelopment of Lansdowne Primary School aims to address the ongoing deterioration of its current buildings.
The Grade II listed buildings that make up the Norfolk Street school have come to an 'end of life' stage. As a result Lansdowne had to close four times over the past year in order for work to be carried out on it.
Issues with the building that needed addressing include roof and ceiling leaks, water damage to electrics, unsafe windows, failing stonework, drainage problems, and rainwater damage.
The new school is on the north section of the former Fitzalan High School site, within the existing Lansdowne Primary catchment area.
This new facility has flexible classroom buildings, refurbished halls and dining areas, updated nursery and reception spaces, new offices and state of the art ICT.
A new school logo has also been launched to mark the start of the school’s new chapter. After feedback through consultation, the new design reflects "the vibrant, multicultural spirit of the school community."