Two primary schools face closure as public consultation approved

A COUNCIL has been urged to “open doors not close them” amid concerns over the potential closures of two primary schools “close to people's hearts”.

- By DALE SPRIDGEON

Cyngor Gwynedd’s cabinet gave permission for two statutory consultation periods to be carried out on the future of Ysgol Nebo and Ysgol Baladeulyn.

A “significant and consistent reduction” in numbers had been seen at Ysgol Nebo and a “substantial and sustained drop” at Ysgol Baladeulyn.

The “vulnerable position” of the two schools came before the council's Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, October 14.

It granted permission to hold statutory consultations over a proposal to close Ysgol Nebo, on December 31, 2026, providing pupils places at Ysgol Llanllyfni, from January 1, 2027.

The same was agreed for Ysgol Baladeulyn, to close on December 31, 2026, but with places being provided at Ysgol Talysarn, from January 1, 2027.

The consultations are likely during the Autumn term, and aim to hear people's views.

Since September 2015, at Ysgol Nebo, there has been a 52% reduction in reception to year six learners and a 54% drop in nursery to year six learners.

With only 11 reception to year six learners on the register, and a capacity of 51, there were 40 surplus places. It also had capacity for seven learners in the nursery, but had only one on its register.

Alternative options to closure mooted have included:

■doing nothing,

■federating with a neighbouring school,