Education

Local authority support for school finances ‘too inconsistent’, says Estyn

Published

9 hours ago

March 25, 2026

LOCAL authorities are helping schools manage their day-to-day finances, but a lack of consistent strategic support is undermining long-term planning, a new report has found.

The review by Estyn, titled Local authority support for schools to manage their budgets, examines how effectively councils are supporting maintained schools during a period of growing financial pressure.

Inspectors found that schools generally value the advice and guidance provided by local authority finance teams. Many benefit from strong operational support, helping them monitor spending, manage grants and meet financial requirements.

However, the report highlights significant weaknesses in longer-term planning. Too often, support focuses on balancing annual budgets rather than helping schools make confident decisions about the future.

While budget-setting processes are typically transparent, the quality and timing of financial information varies widely. This inconsistency makes it harder for headteachers and governors to plan staffing and curriculum provision effectively.

The report also found that although most councils monitor financial risks and support schools in difficulty, approaches to early intervention and long-term sustainability are uneven. In many cases, efforts focus on short-term savings rather than building financial resilience.

Estyn said the strongest performance was seen where finance, human resources and school improvement teams work closely together. This joined-up approach allows risks to be identified earlier and ensures financial decisions support educational priorities.

Owen Evans, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Estyn, said: “Local authorities across Wales are strongly committed to supporting schools, and schools value the professionalism of finance teams.

“However, schools need clearer, more timely information and stronger support to plan for the medium and long term. Where services work together, authorities are better able to identify risks early and support sustainable decisions that benefit learners.”

The report calls on the Welsh Government to improve the predictability of funding and simplify arrangements to support long-term planning.

It also recommends that local authorities strengthen strategic support by improving multi-year planning, providing clearer financial information and working more closely across finance, workforce and school improvement services.

Education

Carmarthenshire schools praised as careers pilot expands nationwide

Published

8 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SCHOOLS in Carmarthenshire have been recognised for improving careers education as a national rollout of a new award scheme moves a step closer.

The Careers Wales Quality Award (CWQA), which has been piloted since September 2023, has involved 66 schools and education settings across Wales. These include primary and secondary schools, special schools, pupil referral units and EOTAS provisions.

Among those taking part are Ysgol Glan-y-Mor, Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Ysgol Gynradd Llandybie and Burry Port Community Primary School.

Early feedback from the pilot suggests schools have strengthened leadership and planning around careers education, improved engagement with parents and employers, and increased pupils’ involvement in shaping their own learning. Teachers have also reported greater confidence in delivering careers-related lessons.

The scheme focuses on careers and work-related experiences for learners aged three to 16, aligned with the Curriculum for Wales.

Registration has now opened for schools across Wales to join the programme from September 2026.

The award is split into three stages — leadership, development and impact — designed to help schools build a structured approach to careers education and demonstrate its impact on pupils.

A national rollout will also introduce Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, aimed at recognising progress while allowing flexibility for different schools.

Mark Owen, Head of Stakeholder Services at Careers Wales, said the pilot had helped shape the scheme ahead of its wider launch.

He said: “High-quality careers and work-related experiences play an essential role in helping learners understand their options and develop the confidence and skills they need for the future.

“We’re encouraged by the positive impact we’re already seeing and look forward to welcoming more schools to take part.”

Education

Milford Haven School celebrates Year 11 leavers as ASPIRE awards evening

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL recently hosted a special ASPIRE celebration evening to honour its 2025 Year 11 leavers.

The event recognised the hard work and commitment shown by pupils throughout their studies, as well as their examination successes, while marking the start of their next chapter.

A highlight of the evening was a return visit from former pupil Ben Robertson, who attended as guest speaker. He shared his journey since leaving school, including building a successful career in digital marketing. Ben now works as a Digital Marketing Manager at Paragon Bank and was recently named Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2025.

Staff said it was a pleasure to welcome back former students and hear about the varied and exciting paths they are now pursuing.

The school also thanked award sponsors for their continued support in recognising student achievement.

Well done to the Class of 2025.

Education

Pembrokeshire schools recognised in Careers Wales pilot as national rollout begins

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SCHOOLS in Pembrokeshire have been recognised for their role in a major Welsh pilot scheme aimed at improving careers education, as a national rollout prepares to open later this year.

The Careers Wales Quality Award (CWQA), launched in September 2023, has seen 66 schools and education settings across Wales take part, including Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and Pembrokeshire Learning Centre.

The scheme focuses on strengthening careers and work-related experiences (CWRE) for pupils aged three to sixteen, in line with the Curriculum for Wales.

Early feedback from pilot schools highlights a number of benefits, including stronger leadership and planning, improved engagement with parents and employers, and increased confidence among teachers delivering careers-related learning.

Schools also reported that the programme has helped ensure careers education remains a consistent priority across school life.

Gareth Williams, of Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, said: “Being part of the pilot has made us realise we are doing more than we thought.

“It’s encouraged us to rethink things like parent evenings by inviting employers in, and it keeps careers high on the agenda in everything we do.”

The award is delivered in three stages—Leadership, Development and Impact—guiding schools from planning their approach to fully embedding careers education and demonstrating its impact on learners.

Careers Wales says the pilot has helped shape the scheme ahead of its wider launch, with participating schools working closely with curriculum coordinators to refine the framework.

The national rollout will introduce Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, allowing schools to progress at their own pace while recognising achievement.

Mark Owen, Head of Stakeholder Services at Careers Wales, said: “High-quality careers and work-related experiences are essential in helping learners understand their options and develop the confidence and skills they need for the future.

“The quality award provides a clear and supportive framework for schools to embed this work across the curriculum.”