Schools debates start next week

Consultation meetings to discuss the future structure of Powys’ secondary and post 16 education will get underway next week.

 

The County Council and Coleg Powys will hold a series of consultation meetings in secondary schools and at Coleg Powys campuses across the county.

 

Last year an in-depth report outlining the challenges facing the secondary and post 16 education sector was published as part of the councils’ school modernisation initiative, which proposed possible options.

 

The meetings will be held at the county’s 13 secondary schools and three of Coleg Powys’ campuses, with the first meeting taking place at Welshpool High School on Monday and the second at Llanidloes Community Centre next Thursday.

 

Board Member for Schools, Councillor David Jones said: “The authority, schools and the College are facing serious challenges.  A huge amount of work has already been done to look at ways of tackling the problems of falling pupil numbers, physical conditions of buildings, curriculum pressures, changes in legislative requirements and the need to provide more opportunities through the medium of Welsh.

 

“We are putting forward proposals that focus on three elements which are education for 11-16 year olds, Welsh medium education and also post-16 education.

 

“The future of our secondary and post-16 education is of vital importance and we urge parents, pupils, governors and the public across the county to get involved and have their say. The Council and Coleg Powys will consider views carefully before making any decisions about whether any proposal should be developed further.

 

Simon Pirotte, Principal of Coleg Powys added; “There is some excellent work going on in our schools and in the College.  To protect this in the future and to ensure that ALL Powys learners receive world class provision, we need to make brave decisions.  We have reached a stage where it is critical that we secure a sustainable, long term and inspiring vision for education that will work on the ground.  Powys learners should not be disadvantaged and should be able to access the same opportunities available to their peers in other areas of Wales."

 

A consultation document with questionnaire has also been produced which is available at www.powys.gov.uk/schoolmodernisation

 

Postponed meetings for Brecon, Llanfyllin, Llanfair Caereinion and Gwernyfed are being re-arranged and likely to be held in May.

 

The consultation period has been extended to June 6.

  

Meeting Dates (all meetings to begin at 6.30pm unless otherwise indicated)

 

Welshpool - 7 March - Theatr Clera - Welshpool High School

 

 

Crickhowell - 14 March - Crickhowell High School

 

Builth - 16 March - Builth Wells High School

 

John Beddoes - 23 March - John Beddoes High School

 

 

Coleg Powys, Llandrindod - 28 March - Coleg Powys, Llandrindod Wells

 

Llandrindod Wells High School - 30 March - Llandrindod Wells High School

 

Maesydderwen - 31 March - Maesydderwen High School

 

 

Coleg Powys, Brecon - 6 April - Coleg Powys, Brecon

 

Ysgol Bro Ddyfi - 7 April - Ysgol Bro Ddyfi