Three High Schools could close

Three high schools could close and and sixth forms merged in Montgomeryshire under plans revealed today as part of a review of education in Powys.

Powys County Council says "decisive" action is needed to provide a sustainable secondary school infrastructure in the county and a report by consultants PwC suggests at least three high schools will close.

It is understood there is a question mark as to how sixth form education in Montgomeryshire would be provided in the future between Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes, Llanfair Caereinion and Llanfyllin high schools.

Cabinet Member for Schools, Councillor Arwel Jones said: “The review shows that the council needs to take decisive action to provide the county with a sustainable secondary education infrastructure that gives learners the best possible chance of achieving their potential.

The review provides us with clear evidence that we need to reduce the number of secondary schools, sixth-forms and change the way we deliver Welsh medium education to make the most of our resources and deliver a service fit for the 21st century."

He added: “The findings are not the end of the process but the start of an intensive period of work that aims to provide a secondary school structure that can deliver the very best for learners of Powys.

“We don’t underestimate the task facing the council, considering the closure of a school, particularly a secondary school, is not to be undertaken lightly. But, we have to respond to falling school pupil numbers and dwindling budgets to ensure our young learners have the best possible educational opportunities.

 “If the cabinet accepts the principles of the review we will work closely with schools, governing bodies, parents, pupils and communities and develop specific business cases for individual proposals.

 “It is work that cannot be rushed but could result in three fewer secondary schools, fewer sixth-forms and a different Welsh medium provision. Whatever the final configuration, our commitment is the service on offer will rival the very best the country has to offer."

 The PWC report will be considered by the council's cabinet on January 27.