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County high schools under threat County high schools under threat
(10 minutes later)
The future of several high schools in Powys is under threat after a council revealed it was carrying out a review.The future of several high schools in Powys is under threat after a council revealed it was carrying out a review.
Officials said falling pupil numbers and "severe financial pressure on secondary schools in the county" had forced it to react.Officials said falling pupil numbers and "severe financial pressure on secondary schools in the county" had forced it to react.
It is understood four options have been drawn up, but this could result in the demise of up to seven schools.It is understood four options have been drawn up, but this could result in the demise of up to seven schools.
They could be replaced with "learning centres" and "centres of excellence" providing vocational courses.They could be replaced with "learning centres" and "centres of excellence" providing vocational courses.
The NASUWT teaching union warned of industrial action if there were compulsory redundancies, while some politicians criticised the council's plan.The NASUWT teaching union warned of industrial action if there were compulsory redundancies, while some politicians criticised the council's plan.
Powys council is reviewing the provision of primary and secondary schools.Powys council is reviewing the provision of primary and secondary schools.
Powys like other councils is witnessing falling pupil numbers and schools are facing significant budget deficits Powys council chief executive Jeremy PattersonPowys like other councils is witnessing falling pupil numbers and schools are facing significant budget deficits Powys council chief executive Jeremy Patterson
It is also facing a budget deficit of £26m over the next five years and has confessed that it is facing some tough decisions.It is also facing a budget deficit of £26m over the next five years and has confessed that it is facing some tough decisions.
Officials are finalising plans to close 10 primary schools in an area of south Powys and build four new replacements at a cost of £20m.Officials are finalising plans to close 10 primary schools in an area of south Powys and build four new replacements at a cost of £20m.
Powys council chief executive Jeremy Patterson said: "While the council has embarked on a review of secondary education and produced initial models for discussion no decisions have been made - it is far too early for that.Powys council chief executive Jeremy Patterson said: "While the council has embarked on a review of secondary education and produced initial models for discussion no decisions have been made - it is far too early for that.
"The fact that the council is looking at secondary schools should not be a surprise, it would be more of a surprise if it was not looking at the future structure of the sector."The fact that the council is looking at secondary schools should not be a surprise, it would be more of a surprise if it was not looking at the future structure of the sector.
CLOSURE OPTION Builth WellsCrickhowellGwernyfedLlandrindod WellsLlanfair CaereinionLlanfyllin,Llanidloes,Seven schools being considered for closure as one of the options by Powys Council CLOSURE OPTION Builth WellsCrickhowellGwernyfedLlandrindod WellsLlanfair CaereinionLlanfyllinLlanidloesSeven schools being considered for closure as one of the options by Powys Council
"Powys like other councils is witnessing falling pupil numbers and schools are facing significant budget deficits."Powys like other councils is witnessing falling pupil numbers and schools are facing significant budget deficits.
"The county must modernise its secondary sector if it is to provide the best possible education for its youngsters. Change is not only inevitable but essential to provide a world class service for future generations.""The county must modernise its secondary sector if it is to provide the best possible education for its youngsters. Change is not only inevitable but essential to provide a world class service for future generations."
He said that the plan required "considerable debate within the council and wider communities before any decisions are taken".He said that the plan required "considerable debate within the council and wider communities before any decisions are taken".
The NASUWT, the teachers' union, said jobs could be at risk.The NASUWT, the teachers' union, said jobs could be at risk.
Spokesman Rex Phillips said: "Unless the Powys authority can give a guarantee of no compulsory redundancy, the threat of whole-scale school closure inherent in these proposals could lead to industrial action across the authority."Spokesman Rex Phillips said: "Unless the Powys authority can give a guarantee of no compulsory redundancy, the threat of whole-scale school closure inherent in these proposals could lead to industrial action across the authority."
It is understood the council has drawn up four options:It is understood the council has drawn up four options:
  • One suggestion is to create sixth form centres at Coleg Powys, a further education college in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon, although five schools would shut as a result of this.
  • Another option favours keeping Brecon and Newtown high schools open, while two bilingual "learning centres" would be created in Welshpool and Llandrindod Wells.
  • A third option would involve two centres of excellence at Brecon and Newtown, with up to four schools closing.
  • Another option would involve Brecon and Newtown centres of excellence and five learning centres on eight sites.
  • One suggestion is to create sixth form centres at Coleg Powys, a further education college in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon, although five schools would shut as a result of this.
  • Another option favours keeping Brecon and Newtown high schools open, while two bilingual "learning centres" would be created in Welshpool and Llandrindod Wells.
  • A third option would involve two centres of excellence at Brecon and Newtown, with up to four schools closing.
  • Another option would involve Brecon and Newtown centres of excellence and five learning centres on eight sites.
Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate in Montgomeryshire, Glyn Davies, said: "We have known for some time that Powys County Council's financial situation will not sustain our secondary education system as it stands.Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate in Montgomeryshire, Glyn Davies, said: "We have known for some time that Powys County Council's financial situation will not sustain our secondary education system as it stands.
"I fully accept that the council is being forced to consider drastic measures.""I fully accept that the council is being forced to consider drastic measures."
Mr Davies said closing high schools in Llanidloes, Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion would have a "devastating impact" on the entire social structure of Montgomeryshire.Mr Davies said closing high schools in Llanidloes, Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion would have a "devastating impact" on the entire social structure of Montgomeryshire.