Powys County Council has dropped another edication bombshell this morning by announcing that three schools are earmarked to close.
In a letter to stakeholders this morning, Lynette Lovell, Director of Education and Children, explained that the review of the Llanfyllin / North Welshpool catchment has concluded and that a 10-year plan will be developed, including the closure of three schools, but the construction of up to three more.
It could also see some schools combine, but the three set to go are Llangedwyn Church in Wales School, Ysgol Bro Cynllaith (Llansilin) and Brynhafren County Primary School (Crew Green).
The council want to “transform education in the area” and say that the plan will support schools to move along the language continuum to improve Welsh-medium education provision”.
Ms Lovell said in her letter: “A statutory process would need to be followed to implement each part of the ‘preferred way forward’, including full consultation with affected communities. Not all elements would be taken forward at the same time; it is expected that it would take up to 10 years to implement the plan.
“On Tuesday the 26th September, the Council’s Cabinet will consider a report where they will be asked to approve in principle the 10-year plan for education in the area. Before this, it will also be discussed by the Council’s Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday the 20th September.
“If Cabinet approve this, further papers will need to be considered to take forward the individual proposals. Information about this will be shared with the affected school communities at the appropriate time.
“I realise that this will cause uncertainty for some schools, however I assure you that any decisions will be made with the aim of ensuring that the best possible educational opportunities can be provided to pupils for years to come.
“I also assure you that there will be opportunities for you all to let us know your views before any decisions are made to proceed with implementation of any elements of the preferred way forward for the area.”