Education
Universities facing massive challenges, says funding chief

THE OUTGOING head of a new public body set up to oversee post-16 education warned of “massive challenges”, with cuts proposed at universities across the country.
Simon Pirotte, chief executive of Medr, which was established in August, appeared before the Senedd’s education committee for a scrutiny meeting on February 6.
Medr is responsible for funding and regulating post-16 education and research, including colleges and school sixth forms unlike its predecessor Hefcw.
Mr Pirotte told the committee: “A lot has happened within that six months and I think we’re really aware of the responsibility of the role at such an important time.
“Let’s be honest: we’re taking over responsibility for post-16 education at a time of great change and some massive challenges.”
Addressing concerns about proposed university job cuts and course closures, he said: “It’s important for me to recognise that we’re probably in a very tumultuous time in education, particularly with some of the proposals around our higher education system at the moment.
“And I just want to go on record as saying we really understand the concerns and the challenges that staff are facing during this difficult time.”
The former Bridgend College principal, who has been in education for nearly 40 years, said the transition from Hefcw to Medr has been smooth despite volatility in the sector.
Mr Pirotte was appointed by education minister Jeremy Miles despite not being part of the initial open application process, prompting concerns around transparency and fairness.
He told Senedd members that Medr is optimistic a good field of candidates will be available to replace him when his term as chief executive ends in September.
James Owen, Medr’s chief operating officer, a former Welsh Government director, said a six-month delay in the legislation coming into force helped get the body up-and-running.
Mr Pirotte stressed the need to establish a “tertiary mindset” to avoid working in silos, creating a more joined-up approach between further and higher education.
The Conservatives’ Natasha Asghar asked about Medr’s assessment of the financial pressures as well as support for Welsh universities to navigate the crisis.

Mr Pirotte said Medr is monitoring the situation very, very closely but: “There are limits to what we can do, we are a regulator but our job is to appraise Welsh Government of the challenges that our higher education institutions are actually facing.
“We know that many universities are going through transformational change at the moment to ensure their longer-term sustainability.”
Mr Owen added that Medr conducts an in-depth analysis of financial statements, student numbers, forecasts and borrowing levels at each university.
Asked if Medr would intervene to stop proposals for 400 job losses at Cardiff University, Mr Pirotte said: “I think we need to recognise that universities are autonomous organisations and there are limitations to what we can do as a regulator.”
Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru’s shadow education secretary, asked what Medr would like to see happen to place universities on a more sustainable financial footing.

Mr Pirotte said: “There is absolutely no doubt that universities across the UK and indeed in Wales are facing some of the most challenging times they’ve faced.
“I’ve listened to Professor Paul Boyle, chair of Universities Wales, saying this is the most difficult time in his career and I agree with that assessment.”
The chief executive told the committee: “As an educationalist, would I like to see more money coming in? Of course I would.”
Explaining that Medr will focus scrutiny on learner protection plans in the event of disruption or closures, he added: “We cannot direct the university to say you must do subject X or Y.”
Mr Pirotte, who was on free school meals at Morriston Comprehensive in Swansea, stressed the importance of ensuring a wide cross-section of society can enjoy the same opportunities.
He said: “We have a systemic issue that we need to address across the UK. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind about the key role that universities have as anchoring institutions in their regions … what they do for economic growth, what they do for individuals.
“And I think there’s a wider question about what kind of university system do we want in the UK and indeed in Wales.”
Education
UWTSD and Pembrokeshire Music Service collaborate on recording sessions

STUDENTS from the Creative Music Technology programme at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have teamed up with the Pembrokeshire Music Service to record two promising rock and pop bands.
The recording sessions took place at Haverfordwest High VC School, offering young musicians from the Pembrokeshire Music Service a unique opportunity to professionally capture their original compositions.
This initiative, launched in 2024 by Max Griffiths while still a student at UWTSD, highlights the lasting impact of student-led projects in fostering innovation and industry engagement. By the time the event took place, Max had graduated, underscoring the programme’s success in nurturing creative talent.

Dr David Bird, Lecturer in Creative Music Technology at UWTSD, said: “It was inspiring to witness music being supported in innovative ways beyond the classroom. There is an incredible pool of talent emerging from Pembrokeshire, and we are privileged to have recorded these musicians at the start of their musical journeys. Our students also gained invaluable experience, making this an exciting opportunity for everyone involved.”
Miranda Morgan, Pembrokeshire Music Service Coordinator, praised the collaboration: “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with UWTSD’s music technology staff and students. The entire day was an enriching experience for our rock and pop ensemble pupils, who not only enjoyed recording their original works but also gained insight into music technology and the recording process. We look forward to future collaborations.”

Philippa Roberts, Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service, highlighted the experience’s impact on young musicians: “Pembrokeshire Music Service is delighted to have partnered with UWTSD. The experience was invaluable, and our students greatly benefited from the expertise of skilled tutors and musicians. A special thank you to the Pembrokeshire music tutors for their dedication and encouragement in nurturing our aspiring rock musicians.”
Plans are already in motion to expand the partnership with future workshops focused on Music Technology. These workshops aim to equip young musicians with the technical skills needed to navigate the evolving music industry.
For further information, contact: d.bird@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Education
‘When you’re in a hole, stop digging’: Cardiff University urged to rethink cuts

CARDIFF University chiefs have been urged to “reflect and think again” about colossal cuts, with the local Senedd Member saying: “When you’re in a hole, stop digging”.
Jenny Rathbone warned Cardiff University has been engulfed in an existential crisis that could threaten the future of the biggest and best-resourced university in Wales.
In January, the university announced plans to cut 400 jobs and courses – including nursing, languages and music – as well as merge departments such as maths and computing.
Ms Rathbone, who represents Cardiff Central, said the university is home to Wales’ only planning school and the country clearly needs a pipeline of planners.
And, raising a 4,000-name open letter signed by mathematicians across the world, she pointed out that the university provides specialist teachers who are difficult to recruit.
Ms Rathbone asked: “Where then will the brilliant mathematicians of the future come from unless they have inspirational teachers?”

She added: “If we don’t have a modern foreign languages department … what impact will it have on … inward investment and selling Welsh goods and services to other countries?”
Leading a short debate on ensuring Wales has a thriving university sector, Ms Rathbone told the Senedd: “I accept that no change is not an option. Cardiff University is currently subsidising its day-to-day operations from its reserves to the tune of £31m a year.”
The former Islington councillor argued all universities are struggling with the UK Government “killing off the golden goose of higher fees for foreign students”.
Ms Rathbone said the university’s debt now stands at £321m, according to latest accounts.
She warned: “Clearly, this is not doing Cardiff’s reputation any good. And individual schools of excellence are horrified that they may be bundled into new colleges.”
She told Senedd Members: “I’ve spoken to a wide range of Cardiff academics and I’ve yet to find any support for the university’s academic future proposals.”
She added: “I hope the vice-chancellor and her executive board will reflect and think again, because, when you’re in a hole, stop digging.”
Calling for a “team Wales” approach as in Scotland, she argued more collaboration between universities on common principles is crucial to ensuring Wales has a thriving sector.
“Cardiff clearly has to make some changes,” she said. “They can’t spend money that they haven’t got. But clearly, these proposals have got to be agreed in social partnership with their main stakeholders, principally their staff.”
Calling for genuine consultation, Labour’s Julie Morgan, whose son-in-law works at Cardiff University, was dismayed by the extent of cuts across Wales.
“Young people are our lifeblood and this is cutting off opportunities for them,” she warned, saying she has been inundated with letters from distressed staff living in Cardiff North.
Plaid Cymru’s Cefin Campbell, a former lecturer, called for a cross-party review to address a “broken” financial model, with universities grappling with a deficit of £70m.

The shadow education secretary said universities face a further £20m hit from national insurance increases as well as a loss of up to £80m due to changes to student visas.
Responding to the debate on March 12, Vikki Howells, who was appointed higher and further education minister in September, pointed to Medr’s five-year plan published on Wednesday.
Medr, which was established in August, is responsible for funding and regulating post-16 education and research – including colleges and sixth forms unlike its predecessor Hefcw.
Ms Howells, a former teacher at Caerphilly’s St Cenydd Comprehensive, said the Welsh Government increased tuition fees for two years running and has provided an extra £28m for Medr this year.

She told Senedd Members: “Medr is absolutely adamant in its belief that no university in Wales is at risk of going under and we also are not looking at any mergers at all, either.”
Ms Howells, who studied at Cardiff University, stressed that a 90-day consultation on the proposals remains open, with a final decision expected to be considered in June.
She urged universities, colleges and schools to get behind Medr’s collective vision for a more joined-up, inclusive and collaborative tertiary education sector.
Education
New learning resources bring Wales’ Designated Landscapes to classrooms

A MAJOR step forward in outdoor learning was celebrated at the Senedd on Thursday (Mar 13) with the launch of Tirlun, a bilingual educational resource designed to connect children across Wales with the country’s eight Designated Landscapes.
Developed over three years through a collaboration between Wales’ National Parks and National Landscapes, Tirlun offers more than 90 interactive activities linked to the Curriculum for Wales. The resource, available on Hwb—the all-Wales digital learning platform—and a dedicated website, supports both classroom and outdoor learning, inspiring young people to engage with the landscapes on their doorstep.
Deputy First Minister for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “Tirlun is a great example of how we should make sure our response to the climate and nature emergencies is a part of everything we do. Projects like this are vital to developing the future guardians of our finest landscapes and our fragile biodiversity.
“Funded through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Landscapes, Sustainable Places programme, I am excited to see this step forward, and my thanks go to all the schools, teachers, and the National Parks and National Landscapes teams for their help in making it happen.”
The materials include lesson plans, interactive presentations, and activities that encourage children to explore the natural world, whether in their local area or further afield. The project brings together expertise from across Wales’ Designated Landscapes, ensuring Tirlun reflects the cultural and environmental richness of these areas.
Graham Peake, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority-based project lead, said: “Tirlun is packed with exciting activities and interactive presentations, which we hope will enrich the outdoor learning journeys of many children across Wales.
“The National Parks and National Landscapes of Wales collectively cover more than 20% of our land area, so we really should be giving our learners the opportunity to explore these areas. The 90-plus activities included will also enable children to discover their own outdoors, where they live.”
A teacher involved in developing and testing the activities said: “Tirlun is a fantastic cross-curricular resource that we use to enhance our Outdoor Learning lessons. The presentations and activities motivate the children, who stay really engaged throughout. Everything is included in the resources, and they link perfectly to the Curriculum for Wales and Digital Competence Framework.”
The Senedd launch brought together educators and representatives from Wales’ Designated Landscapes. The event featured presentations from children already using the Tirlun resources, showcasing how the project is making an impact in classrooms across the country.
Teachers and learners can explore the Tirlun resources on Hwb and the dedicated website at https://tirlun.wales/.
For more information about Wales’ Designated Landscapes and their role in protecting and promoting natural and cultural heritage, visit https://landscapeswales.org.uk/.

-
News2 days ago
Campaigners urge Welsh Government to end animal testing
-
Education2 days ago
Former Ysgol y Preseli headmaster passes following battle with cancer
-
Crime6 days ago
Calls for urgent reform as violence among teens rises in Wales
-
Community2 days ago
Much-loved radio DJ and entertainer Matt Baker passes away
-
News6 days ago
Delays to Wales’ tribunal system ‘deeply troubling’
-
News24 hours ago
Police confirm tragic death of teenage girl in Burton
-
Top News6 days ago
Haverfordwest man accused of repeated assaults on partner to face Crown Court trial
-
Sport7 days ago
Hakin United secure final spot with second-half surge