Below is the press release by pcc on secondary schools in Powys
Secondary School Proposals
New proposals to strengthen and modernise Powys' under pressure secondary education and training sector have been unveiled by the county council.
The council with support from Coleg Powys has been developing radical proposals to strengthen and modernise secondary education to meet the challenges of national curriculum changes, falling pupil numbers and economic pressures.
Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure, Councillor Stephen Hayes unveiled the proposals to secondary head teachers, chairs of governing bodies, county councillors and journalists at a series of special briefing sessions on Tuesday (November 8).
"Education services across the country are facing a serious and challenging future with demanding national curriculum requirements, falling school numbers and severe financial pressure. Without change our ability to sustain the current high-quality education in Powys is under real threat," said Councillor Hayes.
"If we face those challenges we can reform and improve services allowing Powys to reach new levels of performance and provide a world class education service within resources for future generations.
"The proposals, to be considered by the Cabinet later this month, will focus on Welsh Medium secondary education, post-16 provision and improving collaboration between schools.
"Welsh medium provision in the county is currently delivered through seven schools but opportunities vary from site to site. We intend to greatly enhance the provision on offer for learners by concentrating post 16 delivery at Builth Wells, Caereinion and Bro Ddyfi allowing us to increase the range of courses provided.
Welsh medium provision for 11-16 will be provided at five schools with Llanfyllin and Brecon added to the three main Welsh medium schools list earlier, with additional resources and support provided to improve learning opportunities.
"Although the changes are driven by a need to improve the range and consistency of post-16 Welsh medium provision, they will also generate some modest savings. The proposals demonstrate our strong commitment to providing an environment in which Welsh Medium education can flourish and grow, to the point where the question of a dedicated Welsh Medium high school can be considered.
"During this year's informal consultation communities told us they didn't want schools to merge. We have listened and ruled out merger as a proposal but closer working is essential and we intend establishing a series of families to foster closer collaboration between secondary schools.
"By working together in 'families' schools will be able to develop consistent strategic business plans, co-ordinate curriculum activities and deliver greater efficiencies through economies of scale.
"The proposed families are:
Family 1 -Welshpool - Caereinion - Llanfyllin (Triscol) Family 2 - Newtown - Llanidloes - Bro Ddyfi Family 3 - Builth Wells - Llandrindod Wells - John Beddoes Family 4 - Maesydderwen - Crickhowell - Brecon - Gwernyfed
"Providing post-16 education in a piecemeal way over 13 secondary school sites is no longer viable, the level of council subsidy over and above Welsh Government funding could is already nearly £500,000 a year and could increase to more than £1m per annum if no action is taken.
"To tackle the issue we intend introducing a new central commissioning body to manage post-16 courses, initially it will operate on an informal basis but will move to a new legal arrangement within three years.
"The body will ensure courses are commissioned according to need and that numbers match available funding. Central co-ordination will ensure that courses are delivered to sustainable groups, reduce duplication and use resources in an efficient and effective way.
"A central commissioning body will give equal recognition academic and vocational courses, although all A-Level and AS course will continue to be delivered by teachers in schools.
"Saving generated from our proposals will be reinvested into secondary education providing additional support worth £150 per pupil for 11-16 education.
"The county council is committed to proving a first class sustainable secondary education system that will serve Powys learners for years to come.
"This is the start of a vital part of secondary modernisation but there is more work to do. We will be liaising closely with secondary heads, governing bodies, Coleg Powys and the Welsh Government to further develop our plans before we undertake formal consultation next summer."
The proposals will be consider by a meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday November 22.
ENDS
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theyre great proposals - well done cabinet
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