School says religious item worn by pupil is secured, symbolic and non-functional

YSGOL HENRY TUDOR has moved to reassure parents after confirming that a pupil is wearing a ceremonial kirpan as part of their Sikh faith.

The development comes after around a dozen parents with children at the school contacted The Herald expressing concern about the situation.

In a letter sent to parents on Wednesday (Mar 25), the school explained that a Sikh family had recently joined the school community, and that the pupil is an Amritdhari Sikh — meaning they are required to wear certain articles of faith.

One of these is the kirpan, a small ceremonial blade which holds deep religious significance within Sikhism.

The school stressed that in this case the kirpan is “small, sheathed and secured,” and cannot be unsheathed. It added that the item is worn purely as a symbol of faith and “not as a functional item.”

Parents raise concerns

Around a dozen parents have contacted The Herald expressing concern about the situation, with some questioning both safety and how the decision was communicated.

Posts on local social media groups also reflect unease among some parents. One parent wrote that they were “not at all comfortable” with their child returning to school until the issue was resolved, while others questioned whether enough notice had been given before the decision was implemented.

Another commenter raised concerns about safety, suggesting that allowing any form of blade on school premises could set a precedent.

However, some claims circulating online — including suggestions that similar cases have led to violent incidents without prosecution — have not been substantiated.

Reassurance over safety

The letter made clear that appropriate steps have been taken to ensure the situation is managed safely and in line with safeguarding responsibilities and UK law.

School leaders said they remain committed to respecting the religious beliefs of all pupils while maintaining a safe environment, adding that the matter will continue to be monitored “sensitively and appropriately.”

In some settings, schools may agree adjustments to how a kirpan is worn — such as ensuring it is very small, secured, or sealed — so that religious requirements are respected while maintaining safety.

Understanding the kirpan

The kirpan is one of the five articles of faith — known as the Five Ks — observed by initiated Sikhs. It symbolises a duty to stand up against injustice and to protect others.

Under UK law, Sikhs are permitted to carry a kirpan for religious reasons. In schools, these are typically very small, kept in a sheath, and often secured so they cannot be drawn.

Across the UK, many schools have policies in place to accommodate the wearing of the kirpan while ensuring appropriate safeguards are followed.

Promoting inclusion

The school’s letter reflects a wider approach across education settings in Wales and the UK, where inclusivity and respect for different faiths are balanced with clear safety measures.

The Herald has contacted Pembrokeshire County Council for comment.

TAXI passengers in Milford Haven are facing a sudden jump in fares, as drivers increasingly switch on their meters and charge full council-approved rates.

One Herald reader said a short return trip from Milford Haven to Neyland cost £30 — around double what he expected to pay.

But drivers insist the prices are not new — they are simply the official tariff now being applied.

Under Pembrokeshire County Council rules, the standard daytime fare starts at £4 for the first mile (£5 after 6pm), rising by around £3 per mile thereafter. Waiting time is also charged, meaning even short return journeys can quickly add up.

Higher rates apply in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays.

End of the £3 taxi

Milford Haven has long been known for cheap taxis, with short in-town journeys often costing as little as £3 — far below official rates.

That was down to competition, older vehicles, and the need to keep prices low in a town where many rely on affordable transport.

Drivers say those days are now over.

One local driver told The Herald: “People got used to cheap fares, but that was never the real price. Now we have to use the meter or we’re losing money.”

Fuel costs biting

Most taxis run on diesel, now around 170p per litre locally. For drivers covering long distances each day, the increase has hit hard.

Global tensions in the Middle East have pushed up oil prices, feeding directly into higher fuel costs in the UK.

With fare increases requiring a lengthy council process, many drivers say they have no option but to charge the full tariff.

Vulnerable hit hardest

The change is being felt most by those who rely on taxis the most.

Elderly residents, people on low incomes and those without access to a car are now facing higher everyday travel costs.

There has been no recent increase in Pembrokeshire’s official taxi fares, which have remained broadly unchanged since 2022.

The difference is simple: drivers are now charging them.

As one put it: “We’re not putting prices up — we’re just finally charging what we’re supposed to be charging.”

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.”

Registration is now open for schools across Wales to join the programme from September 2026.

Further information is available via the Careers Wales website.