The Interim Director of Education for the Diocese of St Asaph said she is disappointed with Powys County Council Cabinet's decision to close a primary school near Welshpool.

Heather Loveridge said the decision to close Castle Caereinion Church in Wales Primary School from September 2022 will mean a dilution of Church in Wales provision in north Powys.

“Whilst this is a small rural school, it serves a remote community and pupils will now be forced to travel greater distances to school. Pupils may also struggle to participate in extra-curricular activities because of the greater distances from home and reliance on the availability of parental transport. All this at a time when stability and well-being is critical in children’s lives.

“In addition, the decision will mean a dilution of Church in Wales provision in this area of Powys and parents should have absolute clarity regarding eligibility for free school transport to their nearest Church in Wales school.”

Last week, Powys County Council considered an objection report and approved the proposal to close the small rural school as part of its Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys 2020-2030 to address the "challenges facing education in Powys including the high proportion of small schools in the county, decreasing pupil numbers and the high number of surplus places".

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said the decision to close the school had "not been reached lightly". "Not only was it robustly challenged by senior leaders within the council at every step, but it was developed with the best interest of the learners, who have been at the forefront of our discussions and decision-making."

Acting Headteacher, Angela Jones, said it is “business as usual” for the school and children will continue to receive “the best education whilst making sure that their well-being is at the forefront.”

The Diocese of St Asaph looks after 51 Church in Wales schools, including Welshpool Church in Wales School, Forden CiW School, Montgomery CiW School, Llandysilio CiW School, Llangedwyn CiW School, Llanfechain CiW School, Llansantffraid CiW School and Ysgol Cwm Banwy, Llangadfan.

The Church in Wales said its schools are committed to celebrating the rich heritage of faith, language and culture in Wales and provide a natural point of community focus, supported by a network of clergy and churches across Wales.