Vaughan Sound has provided performance sound, stage lighting, and multimedia projection systems as part of the new £9 million Abbey Primary School in Neath.

Previously operating between three sites, the purpose-built single site school at Heol Penlan in the Longford area officially opened to pupils and staff earlier this spring.

Abbey Primary / Ysgol Gynradd Abbey has been developed on the site of the former Dwr-y-Felin Lower Comprehensive School. Accommodating up to 520 pupils, the new two storey building has facilitated the amalgamation of the existing Neath Abbey Infant and Primary schools.

It forms the latest part of Neath Port Talbot Council’s strategic school improvement programme, which has also seen the construction of Awel Y Mor (Sandfields), Ysgol Bae Baglan (Baglan Moors), Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera (Swansea Valley), Ysgol Cwm Brombil (Margam), Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Dur (Sandfields), and Ysgol Carreg Hir (Briton Ferry).

Working alongside main contractor BAM Construction and electrical contractor Briggs & Forrester Engineering Services, Vaughan Sound was tasked with designing, supplying, and installing suitable performance sound, stage lighting, and audio-visual systems for the Main Hall and Studio.

A 10m FOH internally wired lighting bar has been fitted in the Main Hall. This has been paired with an 8m over stage bar, with both featuring RGBW LED fixtures controlled via a 24-channel lighting console.

Abbey Primary School, Neath - Stage Lighting - Vaughan Sound

Sound in the space is delivered via an Allen & Heath mixer, two 2 x 400W audio amplifiers, and a DSP loudspeaker management system. 15” full range cabinet loudspeakers, dual concentric 8” infill loudspeakers, and active monitor loudspeakers deliver superb audio throughout this key performance area.

Vaughan Sound has also installed a digital radio microphone system complete with handheld transmitters, with hardware discretely located in a mobile equipment rack, allowing teaching staff to easily move the audio equipment around the hall as required.

A 6500 lumens WXGA resolution HDBaseT projector with long throw lens and 3.5m dual motor electric screen allow large format images and video to be displayed clearly, with the ability to lower the screen to any height required.

12 metres of T60 walkalong curtain track has been installed too, along with a pair of 6m wide wool serge curtains.

In the separate Studio, Vaughan Sound provided a Yamaha powered mixer amplifier and a further pair of dual concentric 8” infill speakers.

The Studio also benefits from a 5500 lumens projector, with an eight-button wall mounted panel allowing simple control over both projectors and screens across the Main Hall and Studio.

Facility panels including DMX, speakon, and HDMI connectivity plus audio tielines provide interconnectivity between the two performance spaces.

The project was completed with the installation of induction loop systems to the Reception Desk, Main Hall and Studio (linked to the sound system). Two portable loop systems also offer staff flexibility of use throughout the school.

Abbey Primary School, Neath - External

Abbey Primary School in Neath now offers an enriched environment for pupils and staff, improving learning and teaching for all.


“This development for the community of Neath Abbey will be another key landmark in Neath Port Talbot Council’s ambitious plan for creating the best possible environment for teaching and learning.

“It will help us continue to improve standards, making sure the right schools are in the right place, and that they are fit for 21st century learners.”

— Councillor Peter Rees, Neath Port Talbot Council’s cabinet member for education, skills and culture

Abbey Primary School, Neath - Classroom - Vaughan Sound

For further information on the vast range of products and services we provide to schools such as Abbey Primary, please get in touch today by calling 01554 740500 or emailing info@vaughansound.co.uk.