'Rural pupils will suffer' in school closures
Plans to close secondary schools across Mid Wales will penalise students in rural areas who will be forced to spend extra time travelling.
Montgomeryshire AM Russell George said he fears students will be forced to spend a large portion of their day travelling to schools rather than studying.
The comments come after Powys County Council announced last month that it will be looking to close a "sufficient" number of Powys' schools as part of measures to reduce its budget.
Mr George pressed Huw Lewis, Welsh Government Education Minister over the issue during a discussion on schools in the Senedd.
He also warned that closures will lead to pupils spending more time on buses, increasing in transport costs.
Mr George said: "The Welsh Government has repeatedly confirmed that its schools modernisation programme is more than just a building programme, it's about creating the right environment for students regardless of their background and where they live.
"However, the fact is that Powys County Council is currently considering closing secondary schools, meaning that students may spend a good proportion of their educational day on a bus rather than in the classroom.
"This has the potential to penalise those who live in more rural parts of Montgomeryshire and who will have to travel long distances to attend school."
Mr George also queried the rationale behind the closure plans. He said: "Mr Lewis also confirmed that school closures in Wales would not happen because of budgetary pressure but would be part of the Welsh Government's commitment to drive down the numbers of surplus places.
"Therefore, I will be seeking assurances from Powys County Council that they have taken into account more than just the financial viability of secondary school provision in the county when coming to a decision on the forthcoming proposals to close a 'sufficient number' of schools."
Powys currently has secondary schools at Newtown (along with the John Beddoes Campus in Presteigne), Llanfyllin, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Gwernyfed, Crickhowell, Brecon and Ystradgynlais.
The council has not yet revealed which schools might close but its cabinet agreed to move ahead with the review on January 27.
