Welshpool to host public meeting on Powys sixth form changes

The county council is currently mulling a huge shake-up of sixth forms in the county that could see English medium sites closed with sixth form colleges opened in Newtown and Brecon serving all of Powys.

Three Welsh-medium sixth forms would continue to operate from school sites.

Welshpool Town Council will host a public meeting on Tuesday, September 23 at 600pm in Welshpool Town Hall to discuss the proposed changes, which were met with "deep concern" by schools including Welshpool High School.

In a statement the town council said: "Powys County Council is currently carrying out a Strategic Review of Post-16 Provision, following recommendations made by Estyn that a financially viable and sustainable model for 16–19 education should be developed, which meets the needs of all learners and considers Welsh-medium and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision.

"The review notes that the current Powys Sixth model, introduced in 2021 to manage sixth form provision across 12 schools, has not led to improved learner outcomes, is not financially sustainable, and does not support equal access for learners.

"Welshpool Town Council has invited representatives from Powys County Council to attend along with staff, governors and parents from Welshpool High School which will allow interested stakeholders to understand the options, hear the background, and contribute their views."

As part of its review, the County Council is considering three main options:

• Option 1 – Rationalise English-medium sixth forms to achieve an average of around 120 learners per site, alongside three designated Welsh-medium providers.
• Option 2 – Rationalise English-medium sixth forms to achieve an average of around 180 learners per site, alongside three designated Welsh-medium providers.
• Option 3 – Close English-medium sixth forms and establish two central post-16 centres (one in Newtown to serve the north, and one in Brecon to serve the south), alongside three designated Welsh-medium providers.

At present, Welshpool High School has around 128 post-16 pupils, compared with approximately 45 in Newtown, the town council added. Average class sizes in Welshpool are also above the Powys average.

Engagement with staff and governors took place over the summer term, and the next stage of engagement during autumn 2025 will involve a wider group of stakeholders including learners, parents, and local communities. A formal consultation process would only take place in 2026 if changes are progressed.