High school to clarify unisex toilet concerns

Following a social media storm claiming otherwise this afternoon, Welshpool High School will not be scrapping its separate toilets for boys and girls.

Concerned parents contacted us after online chatter claimed that the school would be replacing separate toilets with unisex facilities.

But this is not the case, according to the high school, with enhancements being made to some of the toilet facilities in order to bring them up to speed with modern day requirements.

Headmaster Jim Toal told us this evening that he will be sending a letter to parents tomorrow (Friday) to clear up any concerns.

“There will be appropriate facilities for boys and girls,” he said. “It will be a huge improvement both in terms of privacy and comfort for all pupils.”

The school is undergoing a major development programme to enhance its sporting facilities and it appears the confusion may have arisen due to the introduction of enclosed cubicles to the toilet block.

A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “The toilets in the girls and boys changing rooms adjacent to the gym at Welshpool High School will be refurbished. As part of the refurbishment, enclosed cubicles will be installed in each toilet block and these will provide added privacy for users.

“They will remain totally separate toilets blocks.”

In Wales, the law states that schools with pupils over the age of eight are required to have single-sex facilities, unisex toilets can only be built in addition to rather than in replace of single-sex facilities.