A closure-threatened primary school on the Powys/Shropshire border appointed a new headteacher days before it went on the council’s hit list, it has emerged.

Llangedwyn Primary School is one of 11 schools with fewer than 30 pupils, which could closed under proposals by Powys County Council.

But just 13 days ago the school appointed a new headteacher, Sarah Chandler, who will start this summer on a full-time and permanent contract.

Joanne Mellor, chairman of school governors at Llangedwyn School, said the appointment had been made on January 10 – nine days prior to the council releasing the threatened schools list.

She said: “Our current headteacher John Parkinson is stepping down from his role at Easter and we recently appointed a new headteacher Sarah Chandler on a permanent contract.”

However, the council said today that a decision to proceed with the appointment had been made by the school’s governing body.

John Evans, communications manager for the council, said: “They were made aware of the paper but decided to proceed with the appointment anyway.”

Other small schools under threat are Aberhafesp, near Newtown, Llanfechain, near Llanfyllin and Castle Caereinion, near Welshpool.