Sixth form closure met with concern by Powys councillors
It was revealed yesterday that Powys County Council will consider whether to close all of the English medium sixth forms in the county and replace them with two colleges.
The proposal known as 'Combined option 3' is one of several options being explore by the council to reform sixth form education.
County Councillors have told the County Times they have reservations about the proposals.
Welshpool Councillor Graham Breeze who is also a governor at Welshpool High School said he was "particularly concerned that the document includes plans to close the school's sixth form" which is the "most successful in north Powys".
"We can not shy away from the fact that Estyn is telling Powys County Council to shake up post-16 education across the county and that some action is needed but does the proposal go too far is the question we must find answers to," said Cllr Breeze.
"My fear is that many pupils will turn their backs on Powys if this plan is accepted and seek their education over the border in Shropshire, particularly from Welshpool and Llanfyllin High Schools and as councillors we have a duty to see that does not happen."
Reform Councillors were much more hostile to the plans and said "education must be a priority, not a budget line to be trimmed".
Councillor Iain McIntosh, group leader of the party in Powys County Council, said: "These plans appear to prioritise cost-cutting over the quality and accessibility of education for our young people.
'Centralising English-medium sixth form provision to just two locations – Newtown and Brecon – will inevitably lead to significantly longer travel times for many students across Powys."
This comes after Montgomeryshire's Labour MP, Steve Witherden, was highly critical of the plans and said the proposals would constitute 'downgrading public services'.
Cllr Beverley Baynham, who is the joint leader of the independent group, the largest opposition group on the council was more positive about the idea only if it can guarantee choice for pupils.
"Currently the sixth form provision is very unbalanced with some schools having a good curriculum choice with lots of students and others a more limited choice," said Cllr Baynham.
"It differs greatly throughout the county.
"If the aim of the Portfolio Holder is to provide a first-class sixth form provision with a wide choice of subjects, I cannot argue.
"Many young people are choosing to go to colleges out of County as the offer is more favourable.
"If Powys County Council can provide the same; or better offer, to attract students back from other colleges; this in my opinion can only be viewed as a positive.
"However, how this is achieved needs to be carefully considered and I look forward to the results of the consultation before any decisions can be taken."
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Plaid Cymru Councillor Elwyn Vaughan, who is also a governor as Ysgol Bro Hyddgen was largely in agreement with Cllr Baynham and said that sixth form education had been a problem in the county for over a decade and said 'doing nothing is not an option'.
"We're all well aware of the numbers of young people that travel out of County to access their 16+ education, it is essential therefore that full consideration is given what option is best to alleviate such pressures and is accessible for most," said Cllr Vaughan.
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