Mid Wales schools face shake-up to meet big challenges

Cash-strapped secondary schools across Mid Wales could work closer together in 'families' in a bid to save money, it was revealed today.

The new plans for post-16 education would also mean there would be no Welsh medium education at Welshpool High School or Llanidloes High School.

And Caereinion High School and Builth Wells High School would become Welsh-only from the age of 16, under the plans unveiled yesterday.

It is hoped the proposals will strengthen and modernise Powys's 'under pressure' secondary education and training sector.

They were put forward by Councillor Stephen Hayes, cabinet member for learning and leisure, and will be decided on by cabinet on November 22.

The proposed families are: family one: Welshpool, Caereinion and Llanfyllin (Triscol); family two: Newtown, Llanidloes and Bro Ddyfi; family three: Builth Wells, Llandrindod Wells and John Beddoes; family four: Maesydderwen, Crickhowell, Brecon and Gwernyfed.

Councillor Hayes said: "Education services across the country are facing a serious and challenging future with demanding national curriculum requirements, falling school numbers and severe financial pressure.

"Without change our ability to sustain the current high-quality education in Powys is under real threat.

"We have ruled out merger as a proposal but closer working is essential and we intend establishing a series of families."