No deferral on schools consultation

A BID for a pause before deciding on the potential closure of schools in Pembrokeshire, part of a broader series of proposed educational changes in the county, has been rejected at a full council meeting.

- BRUCE SINCLAIR

During the meeting of Pembrokeshire Council on December 12, members were asked to authorise the Director of Education to conduct a public consultation.

This would be regarding the establishment of a new 3-19 school, initially across split sites, but with future investment aimed at rebuilding or extending Tenby’s Ysgol Greenhill site, or potentially relocating to a new site.

The recommendation also suggested discontinuing Tenby Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School and Ysgol Greenhill. Another recommendation called for the creation of a new 3-11 primary school on the Saundersfoot School site, leading to the discontinuation of Saundersfoot School and Stepaside School.

A report highlighted 534 surplus places in the primary sector in the Tenby area, and 341 surplus places in the secondary sector at Greenhill School.

In the case of Tenby Church in Wales VC, the report indicated that the school is projected to have a surplus capacity of 38.1% by 2025, and over a 25% level for at least four years.