Plans for a new super school

Powys could see its second all-through school if plans to create a new facility in Llanfyllin are approved for consultation by the county council’s cabinet.

The cabinet is being asked to approve formal consultation on proposals to amalgamate Llanfyllin Secondary School and Llanfyllin County Primary School and operate as an all-through 4-18 school on the existing sites.

Cabinet Member for Learning and Welsh, Councillor Myfanwy Alexander, in a report to the cabinet, said the county council had received a letter from the two schools’ governing body supporting proposals for an amalgamation from September 2020.

She said: “We are working with the school communities in Llanfyllin to develop the integrated and high-quality educational provision which will prepare our learners for the challenge they will face in their working lives. By tailoring school structures to fit the exciting new curriculum with its emphasis on well-being and creativity will give the young people the best possible start.”

The council believes that if approved, the plans will provide a more efficient, sustainable model for delivering Welsh and English medium primary and secondary in the area, with seamless progression through each key stage of education and improved quality and leadership.

Pupil numbers at both schools are forecast to fall in the coming years with a combined total projected to fall from 844 in January next year to 702 by January 2023.

If the recommendation for formal consultation is approved, it is anticipated that consultation will start in October. 

The target date for closure of the two schools is August 31, 2020, with the new school opening the next day. The cabinet will consider the recommendation on September 18.