PLANS to close two Powys primary schools to make way for a new community school have moved a step closer after being given the go-ahead by the county council’s cabinet.
At its meeting on Tuesday the cabinet agreed to publish statutory notices for the closure of Talgarth and Bronllys primary schools on August 31, 2017 and establish a new primary school from September 1 that year.
The new school will operate on the current sites until a new school is built in Talgarth and opens in September 2018.
The cabinet considered responses to the formal consultation that was carried out by the council earlier this year. A total of 52 responses were received as part of the consultation.
Cllr Arwel Jones, cabinet member for education, said: "We are committed to ensuring that our youngsters have access to the highest quality of education possible. We believe our plans for Talgarth and Bronllys will enable young learners achieve their potential."
The cabinet has also agreed the closure of the Welsh language stream at Ysgol Dolafon in Llanwrtyd Wells.
No objections had been received to the proposal which will see the Welsh language stream close on August 31 this year.
Alternative Welsh-medium provision for pupils at Ysgol Dolafon will be provided from September by Builth Wells Primary School. Transport will be provided to pupils in accordance with the council’s home to school transport policy.
Cllr Jones said: “We have taken the decision to close the Welsh-steam at Ysgol Dolafon as pupil numbers have fallen to just nine in recent years and they are not expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
“We are committed to ensuring that all our young leaners are supported to achieve their potential but only if the education setting is affordable and sustainable. Unfortunately the Welsh-stream at Ysgol Dolafon is no longer sustainable and this has a detrimental impact on the quality of education provided to young learners in this setting.”
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