A series of public meetings, drop-in sessions and an exhibition have been organised so that people can find out more about a proposal to establish a phased new-build 11-16 high school on the Rumney High School site to replace the existing Llanrumney and Rumney High Schools.
The Executive agreed at its meeting in December to consult on a proposal to close Llanrumney and Rumney High Schools from August 2014, establishing a replacement new build eight forms of entry 11-16 high school on the Rumney High School site from September 2014.
The new school will be housed initially in the existing Rumney High School premises while the phased new build school is constructed.
A number of factors led the Council to develop this proposal, including a reduction in the amount of money being offered by the Welsh Government for the 21st Century Schools Programme, which meant the costs of the entire Council’s schools reorganisation programme had to be reviewed. A reduction in the projected levels of demand for English-medium community high school places in the area, owing to an increase in demand for Catholic school places, and a continuing increase in demand for Welsh-medium places.
As a result the original proposal to establish a new school on part of the field known as the Rumney Recreation Ground was withdrawn.
The proposal reflects the Council’s vision of developing an education system that offers the best possible opportunities to raise standards of achievement in viable and successful schools. As well as providing an enhanced learning environment for pupils, the creation of the new school will remove a large number of surplus places which are currently a significant drain on the funding the Council provides to Cardiff’s schools. There are currently over 1600 surplus places in total at Llanrumney High School and Rumney High School, accounting for over 50% of the available places at these schools. As part of all proposals the Council has agreed to re-invest all savings achieved in any rationalisation, and the annual savings on falling pupil numbers, back into schools organisation proposals
The consultation period began on January 30 and will run until March 19. Parents, school staff, governors and others in the community who would be affected by the proposal will be sent copies of the consultation document and are invited to respond.
Public meetings will be held on Wednesday, February 15 from 9 – 11am and 1 – 3pm at Eastern Leisure Centre, on Tuesday 28 February at 7.30pm at Llanrumney High and on Wednesday 29 February at 7.30pm at Rumney High when interested parties will be able to share their views and submit feedback on the proposal.
Drop-in sessions have also been arranged as listed below when council officers will be on hand to explain the proposals in more detail and answer any questions.
School Type of meeting Date Time
Greenway Primary Drop in session 3/2/12 2.30 -3.30pm
Pen y Bryn Primary Drop in session 7/2/12 9am – 10am
Rumney Primary
Drop in session 7/2/12 2.45 -3.45pm
St Cadoc’s RC
Primary School
Drop in session 8/2/12 3 – 4pm
Trowbridge Primary
Drop in session 9/2/12
9 – 10am
Bryn Hafod Primary
Drop in session 21/2/12 9 – 10am
Glan yr Afon Primary Drop in session 24/2/12 2.30 – 3.30pm
Oakfield Primary Drop in session 27/2/12 3.15 – 4.15pm
Meadowlane Primary Drop in session 2/3/12 9 – 10am
Willowbrook Primary Drop in session 6/3/12 8.45 – 9.45am
An exhibition on the proposal will be on display at Eastern Leisure during the consultation period.
Views expressed via the consultation document, and at public meetings and drop-in sessions will be recorded and considered as part of the decision making process. Alternatively, views can be e-mailed to [email protected]. Any comments, including those submitted by e-mail, must contain the full name and postal address of the person making the comments.
Following the consultation, the Executive will consider a summary of views received and will then decide whether to proceed with the proposals or not.
Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway, said: “We are very interested to know the views of the public about this proposal which has been developed as a priority as part of our commitment to deliver the best educational outcomes, while ensuring the highest possible quality of school provision for children and young people.
“People will be able to ask questions and let us have their opinions during the consultation period. There are a number of ways to submit feedback so I would encourage anyone who wishes to have their say to do so.”
