Call for investigation into alleged bullying at a Newtown school

09/10/2025 @ 09:49

The Chair of Governors at Ysgol Robert Owen in Newtown has resigned following ongoing allegations relating to a culture of bullying and poor management at the school.

It follows months of unrest among staff and parents at the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) school, previously known as Ysgol Cedewain. Some have called for an independent investigation into the school’s leadership and Powys County Council’s oversight.

A spokesperson for the Cedewain Victims Group, which represents former and current staff and parents, said this week that the headteacher is not expected to return to work. The group has been raising concerns for several years about what it describes as a “toxic environment” and has called for lessons to be learned to ensure the well-being of both staff and pupils.

In 2024, a letter sent to Powys County Council’s Chief Executive detailed allegations of bullying and intimidation within the school’s leadership. Council officials have not commented on the specifics of those claims, citing ongoing personnel matters, but have said all concerns raised are being addressed “through the appropriate procedures.”

The controversy has also prompted political attention. Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr MP Steve Witherden said he has been supporting constituents who worked at the school and has raised the matter with both the Welsh Government and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

“I have dedicated much of my career to standing up for people who are mistreated because they have no voice,” said Mr Witherden. “The departure of the headteacher and Chair of Governors will be a small consolation to the many pupils, parents, and staff that suffered years of pain as a result of the culture at Ysgol Robert Owen. I can only hope the school returns to being the happy and safe place for ALN children that it once was.”

Powys County Council has been under increasing scrutiny over its education services this year, following a critical Estyn report in March and ongoing budget pressures across the sector.

A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “The council can confirm that Mr Graeme Hunter has stepped down as Chair of Governors at Ysgol Robert Owen. The council would like to thank Mr Hunter for his service to Ysgol Robert Owen.

“The governing body will start the process of appointing a new chair in due course.”

In a statement, the Cedewain Victims Group added: “Staff working under duress, those pushing for justice, should hold onto the fact that Cedewain – as it was – was a very special place. This is about the children. They deserve better.”

Ysgol Robert Owen provides specialist education for pupils with additional learning needs from across north Powys and surrounding areas.