A north Powys school looks set to close next year after a formal notice of closure was issued by Powys County Council.

The fate of Castle Caereinion Church in Wales School looked set in July when a seven week consultation on the closure of the school was recommended for approval by the county council's cabinet on July 13.

Now, a statutory notice has been published recommending the closure of the school in August 2022, meaning the current educational year will be the school's last.

The closure is one of a number of small village schools set to be axed as part of the council's "Transforming Education" strategy, with the closure of some, such as Llansilin's Ysgol Bro Cynllaith already sealed while others, such as Ysgol Pennant, earning a reprieve.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: "Cabinet have agreed to continue with the proposal by publishing the statutory notice formally proposing the closure of Castle Caereinion Church in Wales School after carefully considering all the consultation responses

"We are committed to transforming the learner experience and entitlement for our learners and we will achieve this by delivering our Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys 2020-2030.

"Our strategy is ambitious, exciting and we believe it will give our learners the best possible start they deserve. However, as we start to implement it, we will be faced with significant decisions as we look to address some of the challenges facing education in Powys which include the high proportion of small schools in the county, decreasing pupil numbers and the high number of surplus places.

The council says there will be a 28-day 'Objection Period' for those who object to the proposal to send their objections to the council.

A further report, summarising any objections received, will be considered by Cabinet to conclude the process, although there is no indication that it is likely to be reversed.

"The decision to continue with this proposal has not been reached lightly. Not only has it been robustly challenged by senior leaders within the council at every step, but it has been developed with the best interest of the learners, who have been at the forefront of our discussions and decision-making," added Cllr Davies.

"However, it is important that Cabinet hears the views of those who object to the proposal before any final decisions are made and I would urge them to send their views to us so that they can be considered."