Ysgol Calon Cymru shake-up 'won't affect primary closure'

Earlier this week the council's cabinet agreed to hold an informal engagement with parents, students, governors and school staff over the future of the school, which has sites in Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells.

The council's current preferred option would be to open a new English medium campus for 11 to 18-year-olds in Llan'dod, and a new or remodelled all-through campus in Builth, which would cater for pupils aged four to 11 and would be Welsh medium.

A second phase of the plans will then be carried out at a later stage focusing on reviewing primary and early years provision in the area.

But the council has now stressed that the proposals will not affect the consultation around Llanfihangel Rhydithon County Primary School, with cabinet due to consider the findings of the recent consultation in the autumn.

Cllr Phyl Davies, cabinet member for education and property, said: “Cabinet are committed to transforming the learner experience and entitlement for all our learners by delivering our Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys 2020-2030. It was produced following extensive engagement with learners, the teaching profession and the wider public, who now expect us to deliver change that will benefit all learners.

“The current operating model for Ysgol Calon Cymru faces significant issues which we believe can be addressed by our preferred way forward. However, this is a large-scale, highly complex programme with significant investment. That is why cabinet approved informal engagement so that all stakeholders are able to contribute to the development of these plans.

“However, we still need to address the significant challenges facing education in Powys including the high proportion of small schools in the county.

“Due to these challenges, we will continue with the current process regarding Llanfihangel Rhydithon County Primary School which is not impacted by our aspirations for Ysgol Calon Cymru.”