A POWYS primary school described as being the “heart of its village” is being considered for closure by Powys County Council (PCC).
Ed Jones, Powys county councillor for the Old Radnor ward, revealed this week that Gladestry Church in Wales Primary School, near Presteigne, is under threat of closure, with the local authority’s cabinet set to consider proposals to close it next month.
“Our community has received devastating news,” said Councillor Jones, in a post on Facebook on Thursday, June 25.
“Powys County Council is proposing the closure of Gladestry Church in Wales Primary School.
“This is only a proposal at this stage, but it goes to cabinet on 14th July, and if approved, consultation would begin in September 2026.
“Gladestry is the only school in the Presteigne cluster being considered for closure.
“Our school is the heart of this village, and we will fight this every step of the way. A meeting will be arranged soon so we can discuss this together as a community.”
The news will come as a shock, especially as the school was praised for its “nurturing ethos” by school inspectors Estyn as recently as February 2024. Estyn described Gladestry as “happy and thriving”.
Local residents rallied around the school following Cllr Jones’ social media post, with Elizabeth Collingtwig saying: “I work at a different local school and know that Gladestry is and always has been an excellent school with an excellent reputation, so this is very worrying to hear.”
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Former pupil Liam Campbell added: “This school completely changed my path in life; if it wasn't for the fact it was a small school where teachers gave me the one to one learning I needed to get me up to speed I wouldn't be where I am today.
“Less is more and the kids needs this school to remain open for them to have the best chance in life.”
Marlene Evans said simply “We’ll fight for our school”, while Sally Boyce said: “That is appalling, it’s a brilliant school at the very heart of the village. If there’s a protest, I’m in.”
Leanne Bliss added: “Such a short-sighted view. Councils complain about the cost of school transport but are quick to close local schools.
“A smaller local school is the perfect learning environment for an inclusive education which is something the government is pushing for. How does making more children travel fit with net zero goals?”.
The school previously came under threat of closure in July 2012, when PCC consulted on reducing the number of primary schools in the area from six to three.
Pupils recorded a tune with a leading songwriter to try to keep it open. 'Every Child' was written by a parent at Gladestry Primary School, in collaboration with Jim Eliot who has worked with Kylie Minogue.
A Powys County Council spokesperson said: “Cabinet will be considering a proposal related to Gladestry Church in Wales Primary School on 14 July as part of the council’s ongoing Transforming Education Programme.”
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