Education

Schools given clearer rules on handling weapons incidents

Published

2 months ago

February 5, 2026

Union says prevention and funding are key as Welsh Government issues updated safety guidance

SCHOOLS across Wales are being given updated guidance on how to respond if a pupil is suspected of bringing a weapon onto school premises, with union leaders warning that clear rules alone will not solve deeper social problems behind such incidents.

The advice, issued to schools this week by the Welsh Government, aims to ensure a consistent, proportionate response to any potential threat, while protecting pupils and staff and avoiding unnecessary panic.

Responding to the announcement, NAHT Cymru, which represents headteachers and senior leaders, said weapons have “no place in our schools or wider communities” but stressed that cases remain very rare.

Laura Doel, national secretary of NAHT Cymru, said: “Schools take their responsibility for ensuring the safety of all pupils and staff incredibly seriously, and weapons should have no place in our schools or wider communities.

“While incidents in school are incredibly rare, clearer guidance and a consistent approach on what schools should do if they suspect a pupil may be carrying a weapon is welcome.”

The new framework is understood to set out practical steps for staff, including how to assess risks, when to involve police, and how to handle searches and safeguarding concerns lawfully and sensitively. It also aims to reduce uncertainty for teachers faced with high-pressure situations.

However, union leaders say the guidance must be backed by proper support and funding.

Doel added that schools are often left “dealing with the symptoms of social issues often beyond their control”, arguing that prevention work outside the classroom is just as important as emergency procedures inside it.

“As well as ensuring there is a comprehensive response – including support for schools and children in instances where weapons are found – significantly more resources are also needed to tackle the root causes and ensure families and children consistently receive early help before risks spiral,” she said.

“That must start with the Welsh Government providing the investment needed to address reductions in both community support, including children’s social care and youth work, and support in school, from pastoral care to preventative police programmes.”

Across Wales, school leaders have repeatedly highlighted rising pressures linked to poverty, mental health challenges, online influences and reduced youth services, all of which can contribute to behavioural and safeguarding concerns.

Education unions say that while serious incidents involving weapons in Welsh schools remain uncommon, even isolated cases can have a major emotional impact on pupils, parents and staff.

They argue that stronger early intervention, mentoring, counselling and community engagement can help prevent problems escalating in the first place.

The Welsh Government said the updated guidance is designed to give schools confidence that they are acting within the law while keeping children safe, and forms part of wider work on safeguarding and wellbeing.

For many headteachers, the message is clear: clear procedures matter, but long-term solutions lie beyond the school gates.

Education

Penrhyn Dewi celebrates pupil success at cathedral awards evening

Published

1 hour ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Former pupil Simon Davies returned to present prizes as students, staff and the wider community gathered in St Davids for a night of achievement and music

YSGOL PENRHYN DEWI’S secondary phase pupils were honoured at a packed achievement evening held at St Davids Cathedral on Wednesday (Apr 15).

The annual event drew a large crowd of pupils, parents, former staff, former pupils and supporters from across the wider community to celebrate another successful year for the school.

Former pupil Simon Davies, this year’s Chwaraeon Sir Benfro / Sport Pembrokeshire lifetime achievement recipient, was invited back to present the prizes.

Guests also heard from Tom Sawyer, of the Port of Milford Haven, who spoke about learning from mistakes, serving others and improving the way challenges are approached each day.

The evening’s celebrations were led by senior head prefects Celyn, Zosia, Todd and Chloe, who highlighted the achievements of pupils throughout the year.

Music and performance formed a major part of the event. Liza, a chorister, performed a solo in Ukrainian accompanied by St Davids Cathedral Director of Music Simon Pearce. Year 8 Evita performers were joined by members of Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society for an Evita medley, accompanied by Mrs Cilla Bramley, while Alex, in Year 10, gave a guitar solo performance.

The school also recognised what it described as a record-breaking class of 2024-25 during the evening.

A number of local businesses and community groups were thanked for supporting the event. Prize sponsors included The Bench ice cream parlour, St Davids Fish and Chips, Siop Felys Dewi, Losh’s Pasties and White Sands Beach House.

The Cyfeillion Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi fundraising group served refreshments, MamGu Welshcakes provided resources, and The Bishops in St Davids were thanked for supplying a free buffet.

Former pupil and cathedral verger Morgan Davies was also praised for going above and beyond in helping the evening run smoothly.

The school said it was wonderful to see so many members of the community come together to recognise the exceptional achievements of Team YPDVA.

Education

Last stand to save Ysgol Clydau as village launches fresh fightback

Published

3 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Campaigners say this is now the crucial stage in the battle to stop the closure of the rural Tegryn school, with every formal objection required to be logged and answered before a final council decision.

THE BATTLE to save Ysgol Clydau has entered its most critical stage, with campaigners urging residents to lodge formal objections before the May 11 deadline in a last-ditch effort to stop the village school from being shut.

In a fresh appeal posted on Sunday, Save Ysgol Clydau – Cadw Clydau yn Gadarn said the school was “at the heart of our community” and warned supporters that earlier consultation responses do not count at this stage.

The campaign said: “A local school is at the heart of our community. It means less time travelling and more time together, friendships that last a lifetime, and a place where every child feels they belong.

“If you haven’t already, please submit your objection to the closure of Ysgol Clydau – previous responses do not count, and every single objection must be recorded and answered.”

That message marks a new phase in the fight over the future of the Tegryn school, after Pembrokeshire County Council formally published its statutory notice to discontinue Ysgol Clydau from Aug 31, 2026.

Under the proposal, the school’s catchment area would transfer to Ysgol Bro Preseli from Sept 1, 2026, if councillors approve the closure.

The issue is already highly charged. Members of Pembrokeshire County Council voted by the narrowest of margins in March to move the closure process forward, with the proposal passing by just one vote.

That slim majority has emboldened campaigners, who believe there is still everything to fight for if enough people object during the formal notice period.

The council says the closure is the most appropriate response because of surplus places, concerns over the condition of the buildings, the long-term sustainability of education in the Preseli area, and value for money.

But for families and supporters in Tegryn, the argument is not simply about budgets or buildings.

They say the loss of Ysgol Clydau would strike at the heart of the community, forcing young children to travel further, weakening local ties, and removing a school that many see as central to village life.

Campaigners are also likely to point to the fact that Ysgol Clydau is a rural school, a category that carries added significance in school reorganisation cases in Wales.

The school’s supporters argue that once a rural school is lost, the wider damage can stretch far beyond the classroom, affecting the Welsh language, village identity, and the long-term future of the community itself.

That argument is strengthened by the school’s recent reputation. Ysgol Clydau has been described by inspectors as a happy, caring and welcoming community, with pupils feeling safe and supported.

For opponents of closure, that raises an obvious question: why shut a school that is valued by its children and families?

The latest Facebook appeal makes clear that campaigners now see the statutory objection process as the decisive battleground.

Supporters are being told to email [email protected] or write to County Hall before May 11, with campaigners stressing that each objection must be formally considered and answered.

The final decision is expected to return to councillors in June, setting up what could be a dramatic showdown over the future of one of Pembrokeshire’s rural schools.

For now, the message from Tegryn is simple: this is the stage that counts, and the fight to save Ysgol Clydau is far from over.

Education

Pembrokeshire College students praised for road safety films

Published

1 week ago

April 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Creative Media learners recognised after producing hard-hitting videos to warn young drivers about the dangers of peer pressure

PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE has praised its Creative Media learners after students produced a series of powerful short films as part of an annual road safety competition run in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council.

The project challenged learners to create short social media videos highlighting one of the main causes of serious road traffic collisions, with this year’s theme focusing on the dangers of peer pressure. The films were designed to help raise awareness of road safety issues among young people across the county.

Aliyah was named overall winner for her video, Peer Pressure Doesn’t Need a Voice, and received a £100 prize.

Noah was recognised as a runner-up for his film, Don’t Treat the Road Like a Toy, while Lily was also commended for her entry, Don’t Give in to Peer Pressure.

The college said the competition gave learners the chance to respond to a real-world brief while producing work with an important public safety message.

Lecturer Denys Bassett-Jones praised the standard of the entries and said the issue of peer pressure was a major factor in young people’s lives, making it an important theme to highlight to new drivers and their passengers.

Sally Jones, Road Safety Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, also praised the students’ work and said the group had produced interesting and dynamic videos while rising well to the brief.

The college said projects like this continue to give learners valuable practical experience while supporting wider efforts to reduce serious collisions on local roads.