Closure plan could 'turn' schools into battery farm

Schools in Powys could become educational battery farms if controversial proposals to close up to five secondary schools go ahead, it has been claimed.

The Llanidloes Education Action Group (LEAG) fears the closures could lead to a grim future of inadequate and overcrowded schools with reduced parental choice.

It comes after a leaked report suggested a radical revamp of secondary education in Powys.

Andrew Capel, of the LE AG, said: "Powys County Council claims the plan to close schools is based on a looming fall in rolls. While it is true that rolls fall over the next five years, the Welsh Assembly Government projections published on the council's website show that pupil numbers will return to current levels within 10 and 11 years time.

"Within 15 years there will be a greater number of pupils than there were near their peak in 2006. It is therefore safe to conclude that the council's planning is short-sighted."

He added: "It bodes a grim future of inadequate and overcrowded schools with reduced parental choice and pupils lost in institutions akin to battery farms."

The proposals could see secondary schools in Llanidloes, Gwernyfed, Crickhowell, Llanfyllin or Llanfair Caereinion and Llandrindod Wells or Builth Wells closed.

Sixth-forms at every school across the county could also be shut with students sent to the three Coleg Powys sites.

Powys County Council say no decisions would be made on the future of secondary schools until a full review was carried out.

Spokesman John Evans said the figures the LEAG were quoting were projections and the council was having to work with known facts during its review.