The governing bodies of Michaelston Community College and Glyn Derw High School have agreed unanimously to explore the option of establishing a federation between the two schools.
Both governing bodies voted last night to consult on a proposed federation which, if agreed, would include the reduction in size of the schools to 10 forms of entry and a proposed capital investment of £8m if a bid to the Welsh Assembly Government is successful.
The benefits of federation are around enhancing opportunities for young people by combining forces to achieve enhanced purchasing power and the opportunity to share resources, teaching staff, facilities and ideas. The next stage will now involve full consultation with interested parties, including pupils and parents, head teachers, school staff, and the local council.
Acting Headteacher of Glyn Derw High School, Paul Davies, said: “I hope that this consultation will conclude in a positive way. We are really excited and welcome the opportunity to extend the provision we currently offer for pupils of 14 years plus. By joining together in this formal process we are able to offer a curriculum fit for the 21st Century and one that is going to be so broad that it should capture the interest of all young people and offer them more vocational opportunities. This really will benefit the young people of Caerau and Ely.”
Principal of Michaelston Community College, Mary Campbell, said: “We are formalising and building on the strong partnership that already exists between our two schools to create further opportunities for the young people of Ely and Caerau.”
The decision to consult on federation follows public consultation on an original proposal by the Council to amalgamate Glyn Derw High School and Michaelston Community College as part of the reorganisation of secondary schools in the Ely and Caerau areas of the city.
Executive member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Freda Salway, said: “I am pleased that both governing bodies have agreed on a united way forward and are taking advantage of the opportunity to explore the option of federation. Federations elsewhere have provided an effective way for schools to learn from the strengths of each other and full consultation will now take place to see if these schools should federate under one governing body.”
