School fights back over closure fears

Castle Caereinion Church In Wales School has vowed to fight Powys County Council’s (PCC) decision to place it on a list of 11 schools earmarked for closure.

 

As part of a cost cutting exercise of school reform, PCC revealed last week that rural schools with dwindling numbers could face the axe, but the Governors have hit back, claiming the figures are wrong and their numbers are, in fact, rising.

 

In statement to mywelshpool, the school’s governors said they strongly objected to its inclusion.

 

Head Teacher, Mr. Huw Jones, said: “The only qualification for inclusion on this list should be that numbers on roll would be falling to below 30. The council’s projected figures are wrong, to put it bluntly.

 

“We are a viable school, with a clear vision for the future. Our numbers are in fact rising at present, and we can demonstrate they will remain significantly above 30 for the foreseeable future.”

 

At an emergency meeting, all present and prospective parents pledged their full support to the school, and that an action plan would be launched to save the school. It will focus on its role as a church school, its excellent community links and its hard-working and highly supportive Friends of the School group. The school can also boast a very good Estyn report on the school’s teaching and academic standards.

 

Glyn Davies MP, an ex-pupil, will also support the school’s campaign.

 

Chair of Governors, Canon Bill Rowell, added: “We cannot understand why this school should ever have been included on the Powys Council list, but we are glad of the opportunity it provides to show the world how good a school this is.”

 

An open meeting has been called, to take place in the Community Hall adjacent to the school, on February 1 at 7pm. An “Education Sunday” service celebrating the life of the school and its place in the community will be held at St Garmon’s Parish Church on February 6 at 10.30 am.

 

Further details of the school can be found on its website, www.castleschool.org.uk.