‘No Welsh high school before 2023’

Plans are in the initial phase for a dedicated Welsh speakers' high school for the area, but it is unlikely to be operating before 2023 and will be built in Newtown.

Campaigners are calling for a clear timetable on the delivery and opening of a new Welsh-medium secondary school covering north Powys.

On Thursday, a question will be put to Powys County Council by campaigner Buddug Bates, who said: “The Council has promised to establish a new secondary school in north Powys that will ensure that all children are fully bilingual. We expect to see progress and yet we have heard nothing. The children of north Powys deserve better and the Council is lagging behind other Local Authorities as far as Welsh-medium education is concerned.”

Outlining the council’s plans, County Councillor Myfanwy Alexander, Portfolio Holder for Learning and Welsh Language, will reply that initial feasibility work is underway but it could take five-six years to come to fruition with Newtown earmarked for the facility.

“The work in Newtown is at early feasibility stage, and once this has been completed, it will be possible to work out a more detailed timeline for the planned Welsh-medium secondary provision,” Cllr Alexander will state.

“It is anticipated that it would be approximately 2023/2024 before any new Welsh medium provision were to open. However, there are examples in other authorities where temporary arrangements have been put in place to establish ‘seedling’ provision whilst waiting for building work to be completed.

“Should this be possible, it could be possible to establish new provision sooner. However, any move to establish Welsh-medium secondary provision would be dependent on the statutory process as outlined in the School Organisation Code, and on Cabinet approval as required throughout the process.

“It is hoped that further clarity can be provided over the coming months. There will be numerous opportunities for stakeholders to contribute to the plans as they are developed.”