Schools team set to focus on closure threat

Tuesday 16th March 2010, 10:44AM GMT.

A special committee was expected to be set up today to discuss proposals which could see up to five secondary schools closed in Mid Wales, amid reassurances no decisions have yet been made.

Powys County Council’s board is due to appoint a management committee as part of its review into secondary education.

John Evans, communications manager for the council, said the group would be set up at today’s board meeting.

But he insisted no decisions would be made on the future of any secondary schools in the county until after a full public consultation.

It is feared high schools at Llanidloes, Gwernyfed, Crickhowell, Llanfyllin or Llanfair Caereinion and Builth Wells or Llandrindod Wells could close.

Sixth forms at every school across the county could also shut with pupils being sent instead to the three existing Coleg Powys sites.

Council bosses have stressed no decisions have been made.

Councillors have already held an emergency debate to discuss the proposals in the hope it would help allay the fears of staff, children and parents at the schools.

Mr Evans said: “Proposals for the management of the secondary school modernisation process will be discussed by the council’s board before going to the next full council meeting.”

Councillor David Jones, board member for schools, confirmed the position and said no decisions on the future of secondary schools would be made in a “hurry”.

View more: Mid Wales news, Powys news.