A SMALL Powys primary school could close later this year if given the go-ahead by Powys County Council’s cabinet next week.

The local authority is proposing to close Irfon Valley Community Primary School and last month published a statutory notice formally proposing the change.

No objections were received during the statutory notice period. As no objections were received, it is being recommended that the council proceeds with the implementation to close Irfon Valley from August 31 this year, with pupils to transfer to their nearest alternative schools.

Cabinet will consider the recommendation on Tuesday, March 19.

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Councillor Pete Roberts, cabinet member for a Learning Powys, said: “Given that no objections were received, the recommendation that cabinet will be considering will be to approve the proposal to close Irfon Valley School.

“The decrease in pupil numbers has impacted on the school’s educational and financial sustainability and this needs to be addressed.

“The proposal would address the issue of low pupil numbers at Irfon Valley School. It would also reduce the council’s overall surplus capacity in primary schools while providing a revenue saving to the council.”

To read the council’s ‘Strategy for Transforming Education 2020-2032’ and details of the ‘Transforming Education Programme - Wave 2 (2022 – 2027)’, visit www.powys.gov.uk/transformingeducation.