Following a detailed review into secondary and post-16 education, Powys councillors are recommending that all secondary school sites should stay open. Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has welcomed the recommendations and hopes that rational debate and full consultation will now take place to identify the best route forward for future education services in the county.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Bates said:
“I welcome the council’s sensible approach to the review of secondary education, which will ensure that all possibilities are considered and no decision will be made before the summer. This allows sufficient time for all stakeholders to engage in the process and for the council to ensure full consultation with each school, local community and all interested parties.
“I am pleased by the commitment to keep all secondary schools open by streamlining the management structure rather than closing sites. There must be some serious consideration on Welsh medium provision given the increasing number of pupils demanding Welsh medium education.
“I hope there will now be some rational debate, which will lead to a greater understanding of the challenges facing secondary and post-16 education and identify the best route forward for future education services in the county.”
Powys County Council’s Board is also due to consider the 21st Century Schools Bid. If a report is approved, ambitious plans to invest £314m in Powys schools will be submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government for funding under the 21st Century School Programme.
Commenting, Mr Bates said:
“I welcome the ambitious 21st Century Schools Bid, which would see huge investment into our education service in Powys. The plans set out the county council’s vision for schools for the next fifteen years and I will support the council’s strategic efforts to provide an education structure that will service Powys pupils well into the future.”
