Closure of Llandinam primary school to be considered by Powys Cabinet

Powys County Council’s Cabinet will next week consider a proposal to close a small primary school in north Powys.

Members will be asked to approve the closure of Llandinam C.P. School from 31 August 2026 when they meet on Tuesday, 24 March. 

The proposal follows the publication of a statutory notice in January formally setting out the council’s intention to close the school. During the consultation period, 44 objections were submitted.

If the proposal is approved, pupils currently attending the school would transfer to their new catchment school.

Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said he would recommend that Cabinet proceed with the closure after considering the objections.

“Our priority is to ensure the best possible start for all learners, and we believe our Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys will help achieve that,” he said.

“This means addressing challenges such as the high proportion of small schools, falling pupil numbers, and significant surplus places across the county.”

The council says historic and projected figures show that Llandinam C.P. School will remain one of the smallest schools in Powys in the coming years.

According to the council, the school currently has one of the highest costs per pupil in the county, estimated at £7,424, compared with a Powys average of £5,214.

Mr Gibson-Watt said small pupil numbers also affect how classes are organised.

“Small pupil numbers mean pupils are taught in whole key stage classes, which limits opportunities to learn alongside peers of similar age and ability,” he said.

“Moving forward with this proposal would allow pupils to attend a larger school with broader educational and extra-curricular opportunities.

“This proposal has not been reached lightly, but we believe it is necessary to address low numbers and reduce surplus capacity in our primary schools.”

Cabinet members will review the objection report before deciding whether to approve the closure proposal. If approved, the school would close at the end of the summer term in 2026.