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County high schools under threat | County high schools under threat |
(40 minutes later) | |
The future of several secondary schools is under threat after a council revealed it was carrying out a review. | |
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 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 Patterson | Powys 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 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: |
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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. |