Smaller schools put under review by Powys County Council

Powys County Council said primary schools with fewer than 50 pupils for three years and high schools with fewer than 500 students could face the axe under a new policy.

The schools transformation policy, which includes an organisation review panel for Powys's primary and secondary schools, has been approved by the council's cabinet this week.

Schools in the county will be put under review if they meet certain new criteria announced by the council, which is trying to save £70 million by 2020.

The criteria includes where a school is in need of significant improvement, is in special measures or is causing concern.

Schools will also be looked at if an acting headteacher has been in charge for more than 12 months and if the percentage of surplus places is higher than 15 per cent or is over capacity by five per cent.

Councillor Arwel Jones, cabinet member for education, said: "

Transforming learning and skills is a key priority within the plan and the authority's aim is to ensure that all children and young people are supported to achieve their potential.

"The plan also clearly states the need to reorganise primary, secondary and post-16 sectors to ensure affordability, sustainability and leadership capacity.

"As part of the new policy the council intends replacing the existing 'catchment area review' scheme with a new review process, overseen by a School Organisation Review Panel, which would be triggered if a school meets one a number of crucial criteria.

"The new panel will consist of the cabinet member for education, who will chair the panel, the Head of Schools, senior school service officers and other council officers as required."

It will be implemented with immediate effect.