Plan to merge two North Wales schools sparks redundancies warning
A proposal to formally merge two Old Colwyn schools is set to go out to public consultation, if it is approved by Conwy Council's cabinet next week. Despite the council championing the benefits of streamlining the two schools, a report has warned the move could lead to staff redundancies.
Councillors will be asked to rubberstamp a consultation on plans to amalgamate Ysgol T Gwynn Jones (Infants) and Ysgol Iau Hen Golwyn (Juniors) into a single, unified school. If approved, the new school would continue to operate across both existing sites but under one management structure.
The move comes as part of a wider review of school organisation under the Welsh Government's Statutory School Organisation Code (2017), which requires councils to ensure educational consistency, efficient use of school buildings, and equal funding per pupil. Sign up for the North Wales Live newslettersent twice daily to your inbox.
According to the council's report, the amalgamation would formalise and build upon existing collaborative efforts between the two schools, improving continuity for pupils and streamlining management. But the report warned of the implications for staff of 'potential staff redeployment and/or redundancies', despite both the headteacher and governors 'supporting this proposal in principle'.
According to the report, the list of benefits the amalgamation will bring include consistency of teaching, clear progression steps, streamlining of policies and structures, sharing of materials and resources, and enhanced opportunities for pupil activities.
The report also lists staff professional development and opportunities to maximise resources and professional expertise as plus points. Cabinet will debate the matter on Tuesday, May 13.
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