Crunch time for high schools

11/08/2010 @ 09:45

As the area approaches one of its most important eras in secondary school history, residents are urged to get their views across to the decision makers.

High Schools in Welshpool, Llanfair and Llanfyllin will be affected under the Post 16 Modernisation Programme, with all roads seemingly leading towards a centralized sixth form ‘trischool’ in Welshpool. Llanfair High School

But the general public can have its say by contacting the specially created schools modernisation team at Powys County Council to register views and comment on the proposed changes.

“We would like to thank those who have fed back so far regarding the recently published Strategic Outline Programme,” said Councillor David Jones, Board Member for Schools and Inclusion.

“We are very grateful for this as it will help to inform the development of the Modernisation Programme.

“It has been brought to our attention that there is some concern about the nature of the questions that we issued at the same time as the Strategic Outline Programme. Some people have told us that they feel that most parents would not have a sufficient level of specialist educational knowledge required to respond to these questions.

“Although we’ve already received responses from a broad spectrum of the public, we do recognise the issue. We would like to stress that we also welcome responses and comment on the general principles and direction of the Modernisation Programme and that we don’t expect or require the responses to be confined to these five questions.

“A concern has also been raised about the apparent length and timing of the current discussion period. We would like to emphasise that the discussion period is on-going. A further discussion document with detailed proposals will be issued in the autumn, and a lengthy formal consultation period will commence then," he added.

To send your views, then please write to the School Modernisation Team at County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5LG, or e-mail secondaryschool.modernisation@powys.gov.uk or visit www.powys.gov.uk/haveyoursay to respond online.