Commenting on the publication of Powys County Council’sMontgomeryshire AM Mick Bates states: ‘Secondary & Post-16 Education Modernisation – Strategic Outline Programme’,
“I am pleased that Powys County Council has released this strategic programme outlining the vision for secondary school modernisation, this time without being leaked which last time caused unnecessary panic and distress amongst schools and parents, with a timetable for calm and considered consultation to ensure the best working solution is found for each area.
“This move for modernisation has been caused by a tension between falling school numbers, changing curriculum demands, increased need for Welsh medium provision and a need to reform post-16 learning, set against a backdrop of difficult financial times and a need for efficiency savings. These factors combined make the process for modernising the secondary schools in Powys extremely challenging and every step must be dealt with very sensitively, embracing the views of all interested parties.
“Powys County Council is moving forward in a positive way, inviting consultation which I believe is crucial at every stage of this process, to ensure the best solutions for each community are identified. The discussion document describes seven models, their strengths and weakness. Stakeholders will need to consider each of the models in relation to their community. I will be engaging with the process as these models are considered.”
