Powys schools cause concern

Powys has the highest number of schools in Wales requiring special measures or in need of significant improvement, it has emerged.

Powys County Council, the local education authority, currently has two primary schools in special measures and three primary schools requiring significant improvement, which compared to the other 21 local authorities in Wales is the highest.

The two schools which are currently in special measures are Ysgol Maesydre in Welshpool and Aberhafesp Primary School, near Newtown.

Aberhafesp Primary School is set to close at Christmas, but will have no pupils from when the new school term re-starts in September.

This is because Powys County Council needs to give a full term for notice of closure, but no pupils are registered to start back next month.

The authority is currently working to improve the standards in schools after Estyn inspectors raised concerns.