Secondary School and Post 16 Modernisation in Powys Informal Consultation Document January 2011

Home , Builth Wells, Caereinion High School, Coleg Powys, Crickhowell, Crickhowell High School, Gwernyfed

1 Contents

1. What’s happening? 3

2. Why are we doing this? 3

3. Key factors affecting education 4

4. Our proposals 8

5. What are the reasons for these proposals? 11-16 education 9 Welsh medium education 11 Post 16 education 13

6. What does this mean for my school and my area? Brecon, Crickhowell, Gwernyfed 16 Bro Ddyfi 17 Builth Wells/Llandrindod Wells 18 Llanfair Caereinion/Llanfyllin 19 Newtown/Llanidloes 20 John Beddoes 21 Welshpool 21 Maesydderwen 22

7. Human resources and staffing implications 23

8. More details 23

9. How can I have my say? 23

10. Our questions to you 25 What’s happening?

Powys County Council and Coleg Powys are reviewing the way education is delivered in the county across all education sectors. This includes primary, secondary, post-16, faith-based and Welsh medium as well as education for those with additional learning needs to make sure that our learners can continue to enjoy a first class education during this challenging time of economic cuts and falling pupil numbers. We are not alone in this. All county councils and further education institutions in Wales have to deal with these pressures by making bold and innovative decisions. We have now completed the first stage of the Secondary and Post 16 elements of the review and in the Strategic Outline Case we are proposing a number of key recommendations. You may remember that last summer we asked you for your views on a range of factors affecting education in Powys. Hundreds of you responded and we are very grateful for your comments which have shaped our current proposals. This is the reason why the council decided not to close any secondary school sites. In this introduction, we set out a summary of the preferred options and in the pages which follow we detail what these options could mean in the area that you live. Now we would like to hear your views about our latest recommendations. You can do this by completing the questionnaire in this document or by attending one of many public meetings to be held in each local area (see page 24 for details). If you would prefer to complete our questionnaire online you can do so by visiting www.powys.gov.uk/schoolmodernisation Why are we doing this?

The vision underpinning school and post-16 modernisation is to develop an integrated learning and community infrastructure that delivers a broad range of high quality bilingual education opportunities supported by 21st century facilities which enable all Powys learners to develop their potential to the full. This is aligned to the Welsh Assembly Government’s aspirations to transform education and training so that learners in Wales can compete in a global market. The latest PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) results which were published at the end of last year show that Wales ranked the lowest of the UK countries. 15-year olds across the globe were assessed on their reading, maths and science skills and Wales ‘ teenagers ranked below the average. We have four objectives for modernising education across our primary, secondary, special and post-16 sectors:

1. To develop and implement a programme that delivers a sustainable learning infrastructure in Powys for the next 25 years; 2. To ensure that all learners in Powys have equality of access to high-quality learning opportunities (both through the medium of English and Welsh); 3. To broaden the range of high-quality learning provision available, both academic and vocational; 4. To ensure that all learners in Powys are able to learn in settings that meet a 21st Century Standard and are environmentally sustainable.

3 We know that learners in Powys achieve results that are amongst some of the best in Wales. However all of our schools and Coleg Powys are facing a worsening financial climate whilst also trying to provide more subjects for learners aged 14-19. It is absolutely essential that we address these pressures now. If we don’t do anything, we will no longer be able to sustain the high-quality of education and the range of subjects available to young people in the future. Key factors affecting education in Powys Financial sustainability • Secondary school budgets will be in deficit of £6.5 million by 2014. Unless action is taken now, future learners will face a reduced choice of subjects, larger classes, and potentially the lowering of standards of teaching and learning; • The cost of delivering post-16 education in our schools is estimated to be £1m more than the funding that we receive from the Welsh Assembly Government; • Coleg Powys is facing an estimated operating deficit of £478k in 2010/11, with a forecast 3% cut in funding annually over the next three years, leading to a deficit of £2.3m; • This would lead to courses being withdrawn and staff being cut unless action is taken now. A reduction in vocational courses would lead to a skills shortage in the region which would have a negative impact on the regeneration of Powys. Impact of curriculum change • We want to provide more subject choices for our 14 – 19 learners so that they can choose from a broader range of provision – the minimum entitlement is 30 subjects; • We want our young people to be able to choose freely from a mixture of academic and vocational subjects, if they so wish; • These subjects should be available to all young people in Powys, regardless of where they live or whether they choose to be educated through the medium of English or Welsh; • We believe that young people in a rural area should have the same opportunities as those living in other areas of Wales. Young people in Powys do not have the same choice of subjects as in other areas of Wales. For example, at Neath Port Talbot College learners can choose from up to 50 AS/A Levels and access a wide range of vocational Level 1,2, and 3 courses. Coleg Llandrillo in North Wales provides an extensive range of subjects, both AS/A levels and vocational courses; • Other areas in Wales boast state of the art facilities offering high quality training relevant to the future in subjects such as Renewable Energies, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Building Techniques and Forensic Sciences; • Neither the schools nor Coleg Powys can continue to work independently at post-16 as the need to provide more choice leads to smaller class sizes; this is no longer sustainable or educationally desirable. The average A level class currently consists of 7 learners. Coleg Powys classes have an average of 11.7. Neither are sustainable.

4 Falling pupil numbers • Pupil numbers in secondary schools are forecast to fall by about 1,000 by 2015, equivalent to one of our largest secondary schools; • This adds to the problem of small post-16 class sizes as we will have fewer learners accessing more subjects. This will make some subjects unviable and therefore at risk of being withdrawn.

Projections of secondary pupil numbers 2010 - 2015

School Name Actual Jan 2011 Jan 2012 Jan 2013 Jan 2014 Jan 2015 Jan 2010 Brecon High School 795 777 784 780 764 763 Builth High School 678 650 633 606 592 563 Crickhowell High School 716 696 679 661 650 634 Gwernyfed High School 567 557 558 539 528 498 John Beddoes High School 440 437 396 387 385 383 Llandrindod High School 630 610 597 596 575 566 Llanfyllin High School 963 940 906 887 849 847 Llanidloes High School 726 702 664 644 626 630 Newtown High School 820 821 817 789 777 744 Welshpool High School 1142 1,143 1,089 1,048 1,012 979 Ysgol Bro Ddyfi 333 345 310 305 289 261 Ysgol Maesydderwen 543 538 504 506 495 480 Ysgol Uwchradd Caereinion 645 639 628 621 607 607 Total 8,998 8,854 8,564 8,370 8,150 7,955

Welsh-medium education Welsh-medium learners in Powys should have equal access to a full curriculum through the medium of Welsh throughout their schooling, regardless of where they live. This currently isn’t the case, as there is a great deal of variation in the number and range of subjects offered through the medium of Welsh between these schools, which are classed as Bilingual dual-stream schools. Learners with additional learning needs (ALN) The council has commissioned a review of ALN provision across Powys and will make recommendations on how the council should best meet the future needs of these learners. As special schools transcend both primary, secondary and post-16 sectors, a further Strategic Outline Case will be developed. Investment in our buildings and technology • A number of our school and Coleg Powys buildings are ageing. The cost of bringing these buildings to a fit for purpose standard is significant; • Many learners are being educated in buildings that do not support the vision for 21st Century Schools; • There is a need to invest in new technologies to help support learners. Powys’ broadband and ICT infrastructure is currently inadequate and unable to fully meet this aspiration.

5 Quality Powys County Council and Coleg Powys aspire to achieve excellence in the quality of education available for young people in Powys. The following table shows the Estyn inspection profile for all secondary schools and the college.

Results of Estyn Inspections

School Inspection KQ1 KQ2 KQ3 KQ4 KQ5 KQ6 KQ7 date

Brecon High School May-06 2 3 2 1 2 3 2

Builth Wells High School Jan-10 2 2 1 1 3 3 2

Caereinion High School Oct-07 2 2 2 2 3 3 2

Crickhowell High School Sep-06 1 1 1 2 1 3 2

Gwernyfed High School Sep-07 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

John Beddoes High School Dec-06 3 3 3 2 3 3 2

Llandrindod High School Oct-09 2 2 1 1 3 3 2

Llanfyllin High School Apr-09 1 2 2 2 3 3 2

Llanidloes High School May-09 2 2 2 2 3 3 2

Newtown High School Dec-08 2 2 2 1 1 1 2

Welshpool High School Oct-04 1 1 3 1 1 1 1

Ysgol Bro Ddyfi Apr-08 3 2 3 2 3 3 3

Assessments made on new Current Prospects How good How good is How good Estyn Framework Performance for are provision? are Improvement outcomes? leadership and management?

Coleg Powys Nov-09 Good Adequate Good Adequate Good

Welshpool High School Nov-10 Good Good Good Good Good

Ysgol Maesydderwen Nov-10 Adequate Good Adequate Good Good

6 ESTYN INSPECTIONS

All inspections that took place before 2010 used the following five-point scale to represent all inspection judgements:

Grade 1 good with outstanding features Grade 2 good features and no important shortcomings Grade 3 good features outweigh shortcomings Grade 4 some good features, but shortcomings in important areas Grade 5 many important shortcomings

Judgements were provided for the following Key Questions:

KQ1 How well do learners achieve? KQ2 How effective are teaching, training and assessment? KQ3 How well do the learning experiences meet the needs and interests of learners and the wider community? KQ4 How well are learners cared for, guided and supported? KQ5 How effective are leadership and strategic management? KQ6 How well do leaders and managers evaluate and improve quality and standards? KQ7 How efficient are leaders and managers in using resources?

In 2010, Estyn introduced a new inspection framework. It includes an overall judgement on current performance of the provider; and an overall judgment on the provider’s prospects for improvement.

It also includes judgements on: outcomes: the standards achieved by pupils and their wellbeing; provision: learning experiences, teaching, care, support and guidance, and the learning environment; leadership: leadership, improving quality, partnership working and resource management.

All judgements are based on a four-point scale: Excellent: many strengths, including significant examples of sector-leading practice; Good: many strengths and no important areas requiring significant improvement; Adequate: strengths outweigh areas for improvement; and Unsatisfactory: important areas for improvement outweigh strengths.

7 How are we planning to address these issues? We are putting forward a number of proposals that we believe will strengthen the education sector in Powys. These proposals will lead to: • A more effective and efficient education system that can provide more choice for learners wherever they live, whatever their abilities; • Schools developing even more as focal points for their communities providing improved ways for residents to access educational and community support services; • Learners having appropriate entitlement to Welsh medium provision; • Financial sustainability which will allow all providers to focus on providing the highest quality teaching and learning; • Significant capital investment in buildings and technology; Our Proposals

Our proposals are divided into three elements: 11-16 education, Welsh medium and post-16 education.

Proposal 1: 11-16 Education • Establish a new structure of seven or eight secondary schools across thirteen sites, by having one head and governing body over a school on two, or more, sites; • Establish some of these schools as ‘All Through Schools’ for 3 – 16 year olds; • Invest in all school sites to become full community focussed schools providing a wide range of services such as libraries, lifelong learning, community support, social and health support services. This will enable the Council to make best use of surplus buildings and spaces. The following is an example of an eight-school structure: School 1: Brecon, Crickhowell and Gwernyfed School 2: Bro Ddyfi 3 – 16 school School 3: John Beddoes 3 -16 school School 4: Maesydderwen School 5: Llandrindod Wells/Builth Wells School 6: Llanfair Caereinion/Llanfyllin School 7: Llanidloes/Newtown School 8: Welshpool

Proposal 2: Welsh Medium Education • Centralise (Welsh-medium provision at a minimum of three of the schools listed above (these would be ‘Bilingual Dual-stream’ schools); • Consider whether one of these should become a Designated (single-language) Welsh medium school.

8 Proposal 3: Post-16 Education Two options are under consideration for the reorganisation of post-16 education:

Option 1 Post-16 education is managed by a new partnership between Powys County Council and Coleg Powys. Post-16 education would be available in four main post-16 centres (‘Post-16 Learning Hubs’ ), offering a wide curriculum of both academic and vocational subjects. The centres would also work with up to five smaller post-16 centres (‘Spokes’) which would provide a smaller range of about 10 – 12 core A level qualifications.

Option 2 Post-16 education is managed by a single organisation such as Coleg Powys or another organisation. All post-16 education would be delivered by this single organisation at ‘Learning Hubs’ across the county.

What are the reasons for these proposals? Proposal 1: 11-16 Education The council has looked at a number of different options within this review, including the wholesale closure of some of our secondary schools. We have considered the results of the first consultation very carefully and have taken note of the contribution of secondary schools to their respective local communities and economies. Therefore, we are proposing that all school sites remain open providing education for 11 – 16 year olds. However, so that we can protect and maintain locally-provided secondary education, we are proposing that the management structure of secondary schools should be reorganised and streamlined. This would mean that new governance and management structures are established under one governing body, headteacher, senior management team and administration team, managing a school across two or more sites. The outcome of this would be that Powys has a minimum of seven or eight secondary schools across thirteen sites, i.e. maintaining secondary education on each of the existing sites.

These new governance and management arrangements may also be extended to include primary schools creating ‘All Through Schools’ for 3 – 16 year olds. This would mean that there would be one governing body, one headteacher, one senior management team and one administration team over both a secondary and primary school(s) in an area. Each campus would deliver Key Stage 3 (years 7, 8 and 9) and Key Stage 4 (years 10 and 11) provision which would mean no additional travel for pupils. It is anticipated that these new structures could be achieved in one of two ways:

• By following the Welsh Assembly Government’s statutory process for reorganising schools i.e. close two or more schools to create a single school on two, or more, sites; • Or by federation, through the ‘Federation of Maintained Schools Regulations 2010’.

9 What are the benefits of these proposals? • Education available to meet pupil, parent and community needs; • No additional travel for learners; • Efficiency-gains through streamlined management and administration functions of approximately £1.2m a year across the county; • A platform for schools to continue to build good working relationships and innovative practices; • Increased use by the community and other service providers would address surplus capacity issue; • The maintenance of secondary education on the existing thirteen sites, benefiting the regeneration of local communities; • The ‘All Through School’ System for 3 – 16 year olds provides continuity for pupils between KS2 and KS3 stages, and could minimise any disruption at this key transition phase. It also provides a joined-up approach to the whole learning journey of a pupil; • Provides opportunities for staff to develop expertise across the sectors; • Efficiencies could be gained through economies of scale and more targeted use of resources; • Shared facilities, staff and overheads provide a financial benefit.

Surplus capacity and Community Focussed Schools Falling pupils numbers will have an impact on capacity within secondary schools. Currently, there are 15% of surplus or empty places in secondary schools. The cost of providing these empty places is approximately £1m every year. Projections indicate that there will be 25% surplus capacity in 5 years time, unless the surplus is reduced, equalling a cost of up to £2m per annum, money which would otherwise be re-directed into the schools estate and staffing levels. Whilst the proposals to reorganise the management and governance of schools will not address this problem directly, immediate action is being taken by the council to reduce surplus places by assessing the potential for alternative community use of spaces and removing surplus buildings and demountables where necessary. By doing this, the council will ensure that every school is within the agreed capacity range of 85% - 105% thereby directly addressing the issue of the projected 25% surplus capacity. As part of its commitment to providing improved access to services for all communities, the council is planning a significant capital investment in schools. This will ensure that every school campus is refurbished to meet the criteria of the Welsh Assembly Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme. Every school campus should be fully utilised as a Community Focused Campus, providing a wider range of services from each. This could include lifelong learning providers, libraries, police, social, health and community support services and business support services in addition to the leisure services already delivered from the sites.

10 Proposal 2: Welsh Medium Education 11 -16 Powys schools are ‘Bilingual Dual-stream’ schools, where subjects are taught in separate classes, depending on whether they are taught through the medium of Welsh or English. The Welsh Assembly Government has defined schools according to Welsh medium provision:

Welsh Language Definitions

The following are the ‘Defining schools according to Welsh medium provision: Secondary School Categories’, as defined by the Welsh Assembly Government in 2007:

1. Welsh Medium Secondary School All subjects apart from English are taught through the medium of Welsh to all pupils;

2. Bilingual Secondary School Category 2A - At least 80% of subjects apart from English and Welsh are taught only through the medium of Welsh to all pupils. One or two subjects are taught to some pupils in English or in both languages.

Category 2B - At least 80% of subjects (excluding Welsh and English) are taught through the medium of Welsh but all subjects are also taught through the medium of English.

Category 2C - 50 - 79% of subjects (excluding Welsh and English) are taught through the medium of Welsh but some subjects are also taught through the medium of English.

Category 2CH - All subjects, except Welsh and English taught to all pupils using both languages (i.e. taught bilingually in the same class)

3. Predominantly English medium secondary school with significant use of Welsh Both languages are used in teaching with 20 - 49% of subjects taught through the medium of Welsh. All subjects would normally also be taught through the medium of English.

4. Predominantly English medium secondary school Pupils are mainly taught through the medium of English. Welsh is taught as a second language up to KS4. One or two subjects (which would include Welsh first language) may be taught as an option through the medium of Welsh or using both languages.

Powys schools currently fall into the following categories: Category 2B: Bro Ddyfi, Caereinion Category 2C: Builth Wells, Llanidloes, Llanfyllin Category 3: Brecon Category 4: Welshpool, Newtown, Llandrindod Wells, John Beddoes, Crickhowell, Gwernyfed, Maesydderwen Seven schools provide Welsh-medium education to a lesser or greater degree. Evidence suggests that the number and range of subjects available is not equal across these schools and learners are not guaranteed full progression routes at every school. The Welsh Assembly Government suggests that pupils need to have at least 70% of their curriculum taught through the medium of Welsh if pupils are to become fully bilingual. The ‘dual-stream’ system is also the most expensive to run because provision and resources are duplicated.

11 For example, a teacher would teach one class through the medium of English and another class through the medium of Welsh. Learning resources need to be provided in both languages, which is an additional cost to the school. The council provides an additional bilingual funding allowance to these schools. A single-language school does not attract the additional allowance. Centralising Welsh medium education would enable schools to provide the best value-for-money whilst allowing investment of resources to support Welsh-medium education. Learners would benefit by being able to access a broader range of subjects through the medium of Welsh.

Welsh medium allocation per school 2010

Welsh Stream No. of pupils No. of pupils No. of pupils No. of pupils No. of pupils Total Allocation

Years 7 8 9 10 11 Brecon 16 13 18 16 17 £68,397.12 Builth 18 22 14 18 19 £85,120.59 Bro Dyfi 40 40 35 44 28 £147,372.00 Caereinion 43 60 40 51 64 £146,251.00 Llanfyllin 18 29 21 27 29 £117,758.00 Llanidloes 11 9 8 14 6 £96,670.00 Welshpool 7 3 11 3 2 £42,430.00

Total 153 176 147 173 165 £776,000.00

We are proposing that Welsh medium education is concentrated in a minimum of three ‘Bilingual Dual-stream’ schools (within the new seven/eight school structure) that aim to provide at least 80% of the curriculum through the medium of Welsh, as well as through the medium of English i.e. in line with the definition of a Category 2B school. We will also be considering if one of these schools should be a single language Welsh medium school. This would mean meeting the criteria for a Category1 or 2A school.

What are the benefits of these proposals? • Increased efficiency of Welsh medium provision; • Those schools no longer providing Welsh medium are better able to specialise on delivering the highest-quality English medium education; • Concentrating resources in a reduced number of schools enables the full development of Welsh medium education; • Improved continuity of provision for Welsh medium learners; • Equality of opportunity for those choosing to be educated through the medium of Welsh;

12 Financial estimates The following table shows the financial savings from the proposals for pre-16, including Welsh medium:

Funding provided through Difference from Base 2010 Difference from Base 2016 curriculum System Current School Structure and Delivery System January 2010 26,832,000 Numbers

Do Minimum (current structure and delivery System Jan 2016 numbers) 24,173,000

Reconfigured WM (dual-stream) 23,928,968 2,903,032 244,032

Reconfigured WM (dual-stream & designated WM) 23,716,806 3,115,194 456,194

Twelve School Option + Reconfigured WM) 23,346,072 3,485,928 826,928

Split-campus Schools across thirteen sites + Reconfigured WM 22,905,628 3,926,372 1,267,372

Proposal 3: Post-16 Education We believe that to improve opportunities for post-16 learners, we need to change the way that provision is delivered as there are a number of different providers in this field resulting in duplication of provision and inefficiency. Two options are being put forward for post-16 education: Option 1 Post-16 education is managed by a new partnership between Powys County Council and Coleg Powys. Post-16 education would be available in four main post-16 centres (‘Post-16 Learning Hubs’ ), offering a wide curriculum of both academic and vocational subjects. The centres would also work with up to five smaller post-16 centres (‘Spokes’) which would provide a smaller range of about 10 – 12 core A level qualifications.

What is a ‘Learning Hub’? A ‘ Learning Hub’ is a centre that provides education for post-16 learners across all abilities and aspirations.

How is this different to a school’s sixth form or a Coleg Powys campus? A ‘ Learning Hub’ would provide a wider range of subjects and qualifications than is currently offered through a sixth form or a college campus. For example, sixth forms provide mainly AS and A level qualifications. Learners wishing to study other types of qualifications such as vocational subjects usually have to attend other institutions such as Coleg Powys or follow a work-based learning pathway. Schools are currently working with Coleg Powys to provide more opportunities but this requires additional travel during the school day. A ‘ Learning Hub’ would provide the learner with access to this broad range of subjects and qualifications at a single location. 13 How many subjects and qualifications would be provided? A ‘Learning Hub’ would aspire to provide a similar range of subjects to that currently provided at some of the best post-16 centres in the country. Some further education colleges and sixth form centres in Wales provide up to 50 AS/A levels as well as a comprehensive range of vocational subjects. How would a learner benefit from a ‘Learning Hub’? Learners would be able to take their preferred subject choices at post-16 without being constrained by timetabling or travel issues. Learners at a ‘Hub’ will also be able to mix and match from across all subject sector areas, choosing the very best of both vocational and academic subjects. Will the quality of provision be as good as what is offered now at the sixth forms and at Coleg Powys? The provision of outstanding quality education will underpin all learning delivered at a ‘Learning Hub’. This will support improved performance for 16 -19 year olds and will cater for the needs of all young people, whatever their ability or however high their aspirations. What about the Welsh Baccalaureate? All learners attending a ‘ Learning Hub’ will also have the option to take the Welsh Baccalaureate, which improves University progression opportunities for many, and the transferable skills of all. This development will be welcomed by employers who frequently voice their criticism that that such skills are lacking in many well qualified entrants into employment. Will a learner get the same level of care and support as at a sixth form or Coleg Powys campus? All learners will also be provided with excellent student support services as well as access to specialist services such as financial, study and welfare support. Learning Coaches will be available to provide appropriate advice and guidance. Where will these ‘Learning Hubs’ be located? Two main ‘Learning Hubs’, will be developed in Brecon and Newtown. Two other Hubs would also be developed to satisfy more local access, but this would require a critical mass of students to ensure that a full range of subjects is possible. Analysis of predicted numbers in each area of the county suggests that there can be no more than four ‘Learning Hubs’ in total. Our view currently is that the four ‘Learning Hubs’ would be located in the following areas: • North Powys (Llanfyllin or Welshpool) • Severn Valley (Newtown) • Mid Powys (Llandrindod Wells) • South Powys (Brecon) What is the difference between a ‘Learning Hub’ and a ‘Spoke’? A ‘Spoke’ is a traditional school sixth form which would offer a smaller range of academic subjects e.g. 10 – 12 A Levels. A learner at a ‘Spoke’ would also be able to access the range of subjects provided at a ‘Learning Hub’ but would need to travel to the ‘Hub’ to access that subject. Timetables between the ‘Hubs and ‘Spokes’ would be aligned to enable learners who study predominantly at the ‘Spoke’ to access provision at the ‘Hub’, if they so wished. How many ‘Spokes’ will there be? We recommend that up to five ‘Spokes’ provide post-16 learning, with their locations to be distributed across Powys to maximise access. The exact number and locations of the ‘Spokes’ will be agreed following consultation. This would mean that there are up to nine centres of post-16 learning in the county, rather than the current seventeen. 14 What about Welsh medium provision? We would require Welsh medium provision to be provided from a ‘ Learning Hub’ or a ‘Spoke’ to meet demand from learners. Will transport be provided to all learners to a ‘Learning Hub’ or a ‘Spoke’? Currently, Powys County Council does provide transport to all post-16 learners. There are no plans at this time to change this arrangement. Would these ‘Learning Hubs’ be new facilites? We would want to invest in developing high-quality, environmentally sustainable centres for our young people that provide facilities suitable for 21st Century education. This would be done through a combination of new- build or refurbishment of existing facilities. What about the governance and management of post-16 education? Both these options would require a new way of governing and managing post-16 education in Powys. In Option 1, the planning and funding of post-16 education would become the responsiblity of a new strategic planning and funding partnership between Powys County Council and Coleg Powys. This new partnership would work with the ‘Hubs’ and ‘Spokes’ to plan and fund post-16 provision.

Option 2 would see a single organisation, such as Coleg Powys or another organisation, taking responsibility for all post-16 education in the county. Schools would be responsible for education for 11 – 16 year olds. Who would run the ‘Learning ‘Hubs’? We would want the ‘Learning Hubs’ to be managed by either a single organisation, such as Coleg Powys or a school; or through a partnership arrangement between Coleg Powys and a school.

What are the benefits of this proposal ? Both options would improve the range of AS, A2 and vocational courses available for 16 – 19 year olds. Having fewer centres with a larger cohort of learners would replace the current inefficient system, where it is getting increasingly difficult to run viable classes across all subject areas. Having larger centres of post-16 learning will develop the critical mass required to increase class sizes to viable levels and allow a wider choice of options. In addition, larger centres providing a comprehensive curriculum may attract learners who are currently travelling to other schools and colleges outside of Powys. Combining ‘A’ level and vocational provision on single sites will allow learners to freely choose from a broad range of subjects. At present students have to make a choice between school or college at 16, whereas a single tiered system will widen access equally to all learners. Learners would be able to be part of larger centres supported by excellent teaching and learning with bespoke support, facilities and technology. The overall effect will be excellent education maintained in a more cost-effective manner, allowing greater investment in the education and support Powys young people receive. Under both options, promotion of the best interests of learners is the prime consideration. Whichever option may be pursued, there would be a need for collaboration between the post-16 provider(s) and the 11 – 16 schools, particularly to expand choice for those learners aged 14 – 16.

15 What does this mean for my school and my area?

All areas of Powys will be affected by these proposals. The following section puts forward the specific options for 11 – 16, Welsh Medium and post-16 education for each area. We would like to hear your views on these.

Brecon/Crickhowell/Gwernyfed

Pre-16 Establish a two or three-site school with a single governing body, one headteacher, one management team and one administration team. The existing school sites would be utilised.

Welsh Medium This would require a review of how Welsh medium education is delivered within this new structure:

Option 1 Provide a Welsh medium stream on one site (Brecon) achieving a target of at least 80% of subjects available through the medium of Welsh (Category 2B);

Option 2 Cease to provide any Welsh medium provision in this area. Transport would be provided to the nearest Welsh medium school;

Option 3 Establish a Designated Welsh Medium school in this area that would serve all of South Powys. This would require the Welsh medium school to remain as a separate organisation;

Post-16 Option 1 Post-16 education is managed by a new partnership between Powys County Council and Coleg Powys. This area would be served by a ‘Post-16 Learning Hub’ in Brecon that would provide a wide range of subjects, both academic and vocational. A smaller range of A levels could be provided on the Crickhowell and Gwernyfed sites.

16 Bro Ddyfi

Pre-16 Option 1 Establish a new 3 – 16 multi-sited ‘All Through School’ with a single governing body, one headteacher, one management team and one administration team. This would be achieved by federating Ysgol Bro Ddyfi with local primary schools.

Option 2 Establish a new secondary school by amalgamating with another Powys secondary school or a secondary school outside the county, to create one school on two sites. This would lead to a single governing body, one headteacher, one management team and one administration team responsible for the new school.

Welsh Medium These two options would require a review of how Welsh medium education is delivered within these new structures:

Option 1 Continue as a Bilingual Dual-stream school (Category 2B)

Option 2 Become a Designated Welsh medium school (Category 1 or 2A )

Post-16 Option 1 Post-16 education is managed by a new partnership between Powys County Council and Coleg Powys. This area would be served by a ‘Post-16 Learning Hub’ in Newtown that would provide a wide range of subjects, both academic and vocational. A smaller range of A levels, including Welsh medium subjects, could be provided at Ysgol Bro Ddyfi.

17 Builth Wells/Llandrindod Wells

Pre-16 Establish a school on two sites with a single governing body, one headteacher, one management team and one administration team. The existing school sites would be utilised.

Welsh Medium This would require a review of how Welsh medium education is delivered within this new structure:

Option 1 Provide a Welsh medium stream on one site, achieving a target of at least 80% of subjects available through the medium of Welsh (Category 2B).

Option 2 Cease to provide any Welsh medium provision in this area. Transport would be provided to the nearest Welsh medium school.

Option 3 Establish a Designated Welsh Medium (Category 1 or 2A) school in this area that would serve all of South Powys. This would require the Welsh medium school to remain as a separate organisation.

Post-16 Option 1 Post-16 education is managed by a new partnership between Powys County Council and Coleg Powys. This area would be served by a ‘Post-16 Learning Hub’ in Llandrindod Wells that would provide a wide range of subjects, both academic and vocational. A smaller range of A levels, including Welsh medium subjects, could be provided on the Builth Wells High School site.

18 Llanfair Caereinion/Llanfyllin

Pre-16 Establish a school on two sites with a single governing body, one headteacher, one management team and one administration team. The existing school sites would be utilised.

Welsh Medium This would require a review of how Welsh medium education is delivered within this new structure:

Option 1 Provide a Welsh medium stream on both sites, achieving a target of at least 80% of subjects available through the medium of Welsh (Category 2B).

Option 2 Establish a designated Welsh Medium (Category 1 or 2A) school in this area at either Ysgol Uwchradd Caereinion or Ysgol Uwchradd Llanfyllin. Welsh medium provision would only be provided at the designated Welsh medium school. This would require the Welsh medium school to remain as a separate organisation.

Post-16 Option 1 Post-16 education is managed by a new partnership between Powys County Council and Coleg Powys. This area would be served by a ‘Post-16 Learning Hub’ in either Llanfyllin or Welshpool that would provide a wide range of subjects, both academic and vocational. A smaller range of A levels, including Welsh medium subjects, could be provided at the Ysgol Uwchradd Caereinion site.

19 Newtown/Llanidloes

Pre-16 Establish a school on two sites with a single governing body, one headteacher, one management team and one administration team. The existing school sites would be utilised.

Welsh Medium This would require a review of how Welsh medium education is delivered within this new structure:

Option 1 Provide a Welsh medium stream on one site, achieving a target of at least 80% of subjects available through the medium of Welsh (Category 2B).

Option 2 Cease to provide any Welsh medium provision in this area. Transport would be provided to the nearest Welsh medium school.

20 John Beddoes

Pre-16 Option 1 Establish a new 3 – 16 ‘All Through’ multi-sited school with a single governing body, one headteacher, one management team and one administration team. This would be achieved by federating John Beddoes School with a local primary school.

Option 2 Establish a new secondary school by amalgamating with another Powys secondary school to create one school on two sites. This would lead to a single governing body, one headteacher, one management team and one administration team responsible for the new school.

Post-16 Option 1 Post-16 is education managed by a new partnership between Powys County Council and Coleg Powys. This area would be served by a ‘Post-16 Learning Hub’ in Newtown or Llandrindod Wells that would provide a wide range of subjects, both academic and vocational. A smaller range of A levels, including Welsh medium subjects, could be provided at the John Beddoes site.

Welshpool

Pre-16 and Welsh Medium Continue as a stand-alone school but cease to deliver any Welsh medium provision. Pupils requiring Welsh medium education would be transported to the nearest school that provides Welsh medium provision.

Post-16 Option 1 Post-16 education is managed by a new partnership between Powys County Council and Coleg Powys. This area would be served by a ‘Post-16 Learning Hub’ in Welshpool or Llanfyllin, and also Newtown that would provide a wide range of subjects, both academic and vocational.

Pre-16 Continue as a stand-alone school. Ysgol Maesydderwen is already part of plans to modernise the primary and secondary schools in the area and funding has already been received to upgrade the school facilities.

Welsh Medium Continue with the current arrangement of providing transport to learners who choose to have a Welsh medium education to Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera.

22 Human resources and staffing implications

A Human Resources framework, specific to the proposals for secondary and post-16 provision, will be developed in consultation with key stakeholders. The framework will ensure that Governors are supported to maintain appropriate staffing levels throughout the period of change and that selection for each new post will be through a fair and objective process. A key purpose of the framework will be to minimise compulsory redundancies. Any change is likely to impact on staff behaviour patterns and motivation. It is therefore, essential that communication forums are established to ensure all staff have access to relevant information and an opportunity to contribute to the change proposals. It is recognised that staff will require access to appropriate levels of support. The council will assist Governors to provide the necessary support and continue to work closely with recognised professional associations and trade unions throughout this period of change. When will these changes happen?

Following this period of informal consultation, Powys County Council and Coleg Powys will consider your views and then make a decision about whether any proposal should be developed further. If this should happen, both organisations will have to follow statutory processes that are required by the Welsh Assembly Government in relation to any changes to a school or Further Education Institution. The following table indicates the likely timescales:

Implementation date Proposal 1: Pre-16 Education from September 2012 Proposal 2: Welsh Medium Education from September 2012 Proposal 3: Post-16 Education from September 2012 More details

More details regarding all of these options and the rationale which underpins them is available at www.powys.gov.uk/schoolmodernisation How can I have my say?

You can take part in a number of ways – online, by completing the questionnaire in this document or attending one of our public meetings. As part of this process, we are carrying out detailed impact assessments so that we can understand fully the implications of any of our proposals on communities and on the Welsh language. Online You may prefer to complete the online version of this questionnaire. You can access this document, the full Strategic Outline Case and questionnaire online via www.powys.gov.uk/schoolmodernisation Paper Simply fill in the questionnaire in the middle of this document and send it to the Schools Modernisation Team, Powys County Council, County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5LG.

23 Public meetings

School Date and time * all meetings Venue to begin at 6.30pm unless otherwise indicated Brecon 7th February Brecon High School

Gwernyfed 9th February Gwernyfed High School

Llanfair Caereinion 16th February Caereinion Leisure Centre

Llanfyllin 17th February Llanfyllin High School

Welshpool 7th March Theatr Clera Welshpool High School Llanidloes 10th March 7pm Llanidloes Community Centre

Crickhowell 14th March Crickhowell High School

Builth 16th March Builth Wells High School

John Beddoes 23rd March John Beddoes High School

Newtown 24th March Newtown High School

Coleg Powys Llandrindod Wells 28th March Coleg Powys Llandrindod Wells

Llandrindod 30th March Llandrindod High School

Maesydderwen 31st March Maesydderwen High School

Coleg Powys Newtown 4th April Coleg Powys Newtown

Coleg Powys 6th April Coleg Powys Brecon Brecon Ysgol Bro Ddyfi 7th April Ysgol Bro Ddyfi

What happens next? This consultation period is running until Tuesday May 3rd, 2011. After this closing date, your views will be considered and any final recommendations will be presented to the Council and Coleg Powys during the summer of 2011.

24 Our questions to you (please note that this questionnaire is available online too – see below for details).

Q1. What is your home postcode?

Q2. Which of the following describe you? (Please tick any which are relevant)

A Pupil at A Student A Teacher/ A Governor A Parent/ A Member Other at Lecturer at at Guardian of of Staff at (please a pupil at explain in the box below)

Llanfyllin High

Llanfair Caereinion High

Welshpool High

Newtown High

Llanidloes High

Ysgol Bro Ddyfi Llandrindod Wells High Builth Wells High John Beddoes School

Gwernyfed

Brecon High

Crickhowell High

Maesydderwen

Coleg Powys Newtown Coleg Powys Llandrindod Coleg Powys Brecon Coleg Powys Ystradgynlais A special school in Powys A primary school in Powys (please state which in the box below)

 25

Additional Information:

Q2A. Do you welcome the move to retain secondary education on all 13 existing sites?

Yes No

Q2B. Do you agree with the need for the modernisation of the secondary and post-16 sectors?

Yes No

Q3. Proposal 1: Pre-16 Secondary Education A summary of our proposals for Pre-16 secondary education can be found earlier in this document with more detail in the Strategic Outline Case *

Please feel free to comment on our proposals in regarding pre-16 secondary education.

26 Q4. Proposal 2 : Welsh Medium Education A summary of our proposals for Welsh medium education can be found earlier in this document with more detail in the Strategic Outline Case *

Please feel free to comment on our proposals regarding Welsh Medium Education.

Q5. Proposal 3 : Post -16 Education A summary of our proposals for Post-16 education can be found earlier in this document with more detail in the Strategic Outline Case *

Please feel free to comment on our proposals in respect to Post 16 Education.

27 Q6. Do you have any other comments to make on our plans or a different proposal for your area?

Please post your response to Secondary and Post 16 Consultation Phase II, School Modernisation Team, Powys County Council, County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5LG. If you would like to use extra paper to respond, then that’s fine, however the deadline for the receipt of responses is Tuesday May 3rd, 2011.

Alternatively, you may prefer to complete the questionnaire online at www.powys.gov.uk/schoolmodernisation (* The strategic Outline Case can also be accessed via this URL or via your local Powys library.)

Argraffwyd ar bapur wedi’i ailgylchu Printed on recycled paper SM-03-377-2010-bi 28