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County high schools under threat County high schools under threat
(40 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 secondary schools is under threat after a council revealed it was carrying out a review.
It said falling pupil numbers and "severe financial pressure on secondary schools" had forced it to act although it was "far too early" for a decision. Powys Council said it was prompted by falling pupil numbers and "severe" financial pressure on schools although it was "far too early" for a decision.
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 up to seven secondary schools closing.
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 confesses it is facing some tough decisions.It is also facing a budget deficit of £26m over the next five years and confesses 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 CaereinionLlanfyllinLlanidloesSeven schools being considered for closure as one of the options by Powys CouncilCLOSURE 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. This would also involve seven schools closing.
  • 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. This would also involve seven schools closing.
  • 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.
Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams described the plan as "hugely controversial".Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams described the plan as "hugely controversial".
"If what has been leaked is correct, I think they are hugely controversial and I say that not just as a politician, but as a parent of three children who will be directly affected by these proposals," said Ms Williams, who is also leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats."If what has been leaked is correct, I think they are hugely controversial and I say that not just as a politician, but as a parent of three children who will be directly affected by these proposals," said Ms Williams, who is also leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
"I think the council, if they persist, on the basis of these leaked reports, I think they will have a fight on their hands.""I think the council, if they persist, on the basis of these leaked reports, I think they will have a fight on their hands."
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.
"However, I do not accept that closing the high schools at Llanidloes, Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion is a remotely acceptable option.""However, I do not accept that closing the high schools at Llanidloes, Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion is a remotely acceptable option."
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.