Could Newtown become a centre for post-16 education?

Newtown could become one of just two major post-16 education centres in Powys under significant changes being considered by the county council.

A strategic review of post-16 education across the county recommends the establishment of post-16 centres in Newtown and Brecon. These centres would provide coordinated provision in partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges and other external providers.

The review, which sets a long-term vision for post-16 education in Powys, will be considered by the council's Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee on 2 May before being received by Cabinet on 13 May.

According to the council, the review was driven by several factors, including the need to improve outcomes for learners, provide equitable access to education for both Welsh-medium and English-medium learners, enhance the curriculum offer, and ensure financial sustainability.

The proposals recommend reconfiguration of sixth form provision to achieve a critical mass of learners, minimise duplication and improve resource allocation across the county.

Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, Councillor David Selby, said: "While the review concludes that schools and partners are committed to delivering post-16 provision through the Powys Chweched Sixth initiative, significant change is needed if the county is to deliver a post-16 education that meets the vision set out in the Learner Entitlement Criteria and the aspirations of future generations."

He added: "The review identifies several options that we should consider if we are to meet the demands of the future, including the creation of a two-centre post-16 model. Powys sixth forms have performed well in the past but need to significantly change to meet the demands of the future and deliver truly world class provision for future Powys learners."

If approved, the council plans to gather feedback from a wide range of perspectives as part of the engagement process, including headteachers, learners, school staff, governors, parents/carers, Welsh Government and other stakeholders.

The council has emphasised that the learner voice would be central to the development of the preferred way forward to ensure any proposal best meets the needs of the county's learners.

The strategic review examined only Powys school-based provision and does not affect other providers that deliver post-16 education in the county.