The Welsh Assembly Government has agreed to close Daniel James Community School.
Leighton Andrews, the Welsh Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning, has endorsed the proposal by Swansea Council which formed part of the Authority’s QEd 2020 programme aimed at raising standards, improving the quality of learning environments and making better use of resources.
The Minister made the decision after considering the proposal along with the comments and objections submitted to the Welsh Assembly as part of a statutory consultation.
The letter from Leighton Andrews read: “The Minister is of the opinion that the proposals will:
- Improve the standard of education provision overall in the area and ensure the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum for all affected age groups
- Allow pupils who attend or who would otherwise have attended Daniel James Community School to access education at alternative schools which are within a reasonable distance.”
It means pupils normally admitted to Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will transfer to Pentrehafod, Morriston and Bishop Gore schools from September 2011.
And to minimise disruption to students due to sit exams, Year 11 pupils are set to stay at the school to complete their exams in 2012.
The Minister also stated that the proposal would “reduce surplus capacity by around 1000 by 2012” and would “maintain standards of education provision for pupils from the current STF in Daniel James and pupils who will in future require access to such provision.”
The closure was proposed following concerns over standards at the school. The school was put into special measures by Welsh Inspection body Estyn last year.
The inspectors raised concerns over the school’s leadership and management and the effectiveness of teaching and education standards – particularly in maths and science.
And the number of pupils attending the school has also been declining steadily since 2004 and only 43% of pupils from its catchment area attend the school.
Cllr Mike Day, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “A decision to close any school is not taken lightly. The Assembly has supported the proposal to close Daniel James School which we believe will result in better outcomes for pupils.
“The pupils will benefit from attending schools where standards are higher and they can have access to a broader curriculum.
“The Council will ensure at every step that pupils continue to feel safe, cared for and supported.
“We will be working closely with those schools receiving the pupils to ensure the transition is smooth.
“It is also vital that we continue to work alongside Daniel James School so that the staff and pupils, particularly those staying on to sit exams, have all the support they need.”
