The principal of Coleg Powys today backed a major shake-up of secondary education in Powys claiming it will improve opportunities and choices for youngsters.

Simon Pirotte saidchanges were needed to provide a long term, sustainable system in Powys for future generations and to give students the same opportunities offered elsewhere in the country.

Powys County Council is currently holding consultation meetings at all 13 secondary schools and Coleg Powys campuses.

The plans could see Powys Coleg takeover sixth form education in the county and some schools merged after the council’s board agreed to a shake-up of education.

Two options for post-16 education are currently being discussed. The first option would see post-16 education managed through a partnership between Powys County Council and Coleg Powys.

Post-16 education would be delivered at four learning hubs across the county and a limited range of subjects, predominantly AS/A levels, would also be delivered at up to five “spoke” campuses.

Otherwise, the changes could see post-16 education managed by a single organisation such as Coleg Powys or another organisation.

Although the overall plans have been approved a decision has not yet been made on which option will be pursued.

Mr Pirotte said: “We are making decisions now that could improve the range of educational opportunity and choice offered to the young people of Powys forever.

“There is some excellent work going on in our schools and in the college. To protect this in the future and to ensure that all Powys learners receive world class provision, we need to make brave decisions.

“We have reached a stage where it is critical that we secure a sustainable, long term and inspiring vision for education that will work on the ground.

“Powys learners should not be disadvantaged and should be able to access the same opportunities available to their peers in other areas of Wales.”

However, Montgomery-shire MP Glyn Davies has said an option of not changing anything should also be put back on the table as many people do not want to see change.

By Anwen Evans