Sixth form public meeting cancelled
The news comes as Powys County Council released its timetable for putting into place new plans for Post-16 education, with one option, believed to be favoured, to close Welshpool and Llanfyllin sixth forms for a new sixth form hub in Newtown instead.
The plans have been met by a wave of public anger, with a campaign underway to save, and improve, the sixth form offerings at both schools as well as Ysgol Caereinion.
The latest update from Powys, including timelines of when they expect decisions to be made, is carried below.
Tuesday’s meeting was called by Welshpool Town Council, they have issued a statement to explain the reason for its cancellation.
“This follows the decision by Powys County Council to delay the next phase of public engagement from Autumn 2025 to Summer 2026,” he said.
“In addition, confirmation that the Portfolio Holder and senior officers from Powys County Council will not be attending, meaning residents would not have the opportunity to hear directly from those leading the review.
“The Town Council considers that holding a meeting without the presence of Powys decision-makers, and ahead of the revised engagement timetable, would not deliver the clarity and value that residents rightly expect.
“The Portfolio Holder has, however, given assurances that he and senior officers will attend a public meeting in Welshpool once the formal engagement with the community begins in Summer 2026, when they will be in a position to provide fuller information and respond to local concerns.”
Powys County Council’s latest update:
Learners, parents and education partners are being invited to shape the future of post-16 education as the county council begins the next phase of its engagement programme.
Powys County Council is working with stakeholders to develop a long-term model that meets the needs of learners and is financially sustainable.
Post-16 education in Powys faces several challenges, including a steady decline in sixth form numbers. This trend has financial implications, as Welsh Government funding is largely based on learner numbers, making it harder to maintain effective provision, especially in smaller schools.
Earlier this year, the council held engagement sessions with school staff and governors to share information about the pressures facing the sector and gather feedback on future provision.
To lead the second phase of engagement, the council has appointed Opinion Research Services (ORS). This phase will include:
- An online questionnaire for parents/carers of secondary-aged learners and pupils attending secondary and post-16 education in Powys
- Focus groups with pupils and staff in all 13 secondary and all-age school sites
- Engagement with learners who have chosen college or out-of-county provision.
The questionnaire will be issued via secondary schools on behalf of the council.
This phase will run throughout the autumn term, alongside continued engagement with headteachers, governors, the Regional Skills Partnership, and other education providers across Wales and beyond. The council is also working closely with partners to strengthen existing arrangements and ensure a collaborative approach to future provision.
Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “Understanding what matters most to learners and their families is central to this review. Their insights will help us build a post-16 education system that reflects real needs, supports informed choices, and delivers long-term sustainability.
“I encourage learners, parents and education partners to take part and share their views so we can build a system that is inclusive, sustainable and fit for the future.”
The findings will inform the evaluation of long-term options for post-16 education. While three options were referenced in the Cabinet report, the council will also consider alternative proposals from stakeholders.
A further engagement period will follow in the summer term, allowing everyone to comment on the options before Cabinet agrees a preferred way forward.
Any changes to post-16 education provision are not expected to be implemented before 2030.
A dedicated webpage, https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/18867/Review-of-Post-16-Education has been created to provide updates, FAQs and presentation slides from earlier engagement sessions.
Indicative Timeline
- Phase 2 Engagement (Learners, Parents/Carers, and Partners) – September–December 2025
- Outcome of engagement and updated options appraisal – Spring Term 2026
- Phase 3 Engagement (Public feedback on shortlisted options) – Summer Term 2026
- Cabinet decision on preferred way forward – Autumn Term 2026
- Implementation of any changes – No earlier than 2030
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