Education

West Wales schools perform above average

Published

11 years ago

July 15, 2015

AS THE EDUCATION consultation period comes to a close, with a vote due on July 16, figures this week show that Pembrokeshire has a huge problem with pupil retention rates.

Though the County Council may feel this is a justification for change, what will be of concern to parents and educators alike is the form that change will take and whether or not it will be change for the better.

What those figures did not show, is that Sir Thomas Picton (STP), whose 6th form is under threat to Pembrokeshire College, had a significantly better retention rate than the Pembrokeshire average suggests, and indeed, when various factors are taken into consideration, appears to have a better retention statistic for its year 12 pupils than the college itself, which has its own in-house career advisory team. In fact, Tasker Milward, had an even better retention rate at a whopping 87%.

Dr Poole, of STP, explained in an email to The Herald, that his school’s official retention figure, listed as 84%, did not take into account pupils who had, in year 12, switched to other courses, taken employment or moved to other centres to study vocational courses, or indeed some pupils who re-started year 12 for a different course, rather than go on to year 13, and he believed his school’s retention figure was nearer a massive 90%, which is well above the Welsh average. The data also does not say what the official retention figures are for Pembrokeshire College. This is a view that it seems is backed up by the Welsh Labour government, with a spokesperson saying: “The Year 12 data needs to be read with caution as it only tells part of the picture. The data provides information on the retention rates in schools, it does not take account of those Year 12 students who go on to attend a FE college or in to Work Based Learning.”

The figures were delivered and explained by Rob Hillier, 14- 19 education system leader, in a children and families overview and scrutiny committee meeting last week. Given a series of graphs, committee members were shown figures for both those young people not in education employment or training (NEET) and the retention figures in full time education at school for 2014. Mr Hillier, explained that Pembrokeshire schools retained only 78% of their Year 12 leavers, a reflection of a significant percentage of early leavers from their AS provision, and a reduction from 80% in 2013. He went on to explain that the 2014 data was significantly below the Welsh average and Pembrokeshire was the 18th ranked Local Authority.

At the meeting there was much discussion as to how the figure could be improved. Cllr Pat Davies stated: “It is an ongoing problem – pupils not receiving correct advice. Pupils that sometimes don’t have the academic qualifications to continue that course (that they start in year 12). I am convinced for some years now that in the 14-19s we are not getting the learning pathways right. School reorganisation is addressing this problem.” Though she was not able to elaborate as to how this re-organisation would address the problem, specifically, or indeed that a significant cut in the Careers Wales service could be having an adverse affect on the schools, given the vote on July 16 on schools reorganisation, for which she did not wish to prejudice herself.

Cllr Ken Rowlands was also keen to question the courses pupils are taking: “Are we providing the right vocational courses? Children want to progress, but have found themselves on the wrong course and dropped out. We must address the needs of the young people of Pembrokeshire, and not look at vested interests.”

The report made a number of suggestions as to how this problem could be resolved:

– Year 11 Information Advice and Guidance

Young people in Year 11 receive assemblies from Job Centre Plus staff that provides them with information about the local labour market. These are timed to coincide with them beginning their post-16 options choices. This compliments the work undertaken by Careers Wales.

– “Choices Events”- all Year 11 young people meet the full range of Pembrokeshire Post-16 education providers face to face in their Secondary Schools in the “Choices Events”. This enables them to get a better understanding of their potential learning pathways; they are further signposted onto options evenings.

– Year 12 AS level entry requirements have been reviewed and each school has revised its Year 12 entry requirements to ensure that learners have the appropriate ability to complete their courses.

Common Area Prospectus and Application Process (CAP). All Year 11 learners will apply for their post-16 education and training through the Welsh Government’s new CAP system from September 2015. This system will allow learners to view the full range of educational opportunities in the county, and will greatly contribute to tracking their progression through the post-16 transition process. This is similar to the UCAS university application process.

Speaking about finding solutions was Education Director, Kate Evans Hughes, who said: “It’s not the data itself but the conversations that follow. We are starting to work with parents too. If the parents’ aspiration is for higher education there are lots of pathways to higher education. This protects the children who are not high flyers.”

What is not certain, is whether the figures are merely a blip for one year, and many people in academia will hope that a cautious approach is taken to any school re-organisation based on such figures. As Jonathan Nutting of the Pembrokeshire Alliance said, when speaking about the figures: “I feel there could be several reasons. Maybe it’s just one of those blips that happen once in a while. I am confident that Kate Evans Hughes took note and will already be finding out more if she does not already have a handle upon it. Perhaps there is major economic pressure on schools, or a large number of year 12s became disaffected. They saw no job prospects at the end of their courses and they did not feel carrying on was worth it. This is possible.”

Education

New special education centre to be built in Milford Haven

Published

22 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

APPROVAL for a consultation for a special resource centre for pupils with complex needs when the new Milford Haven primary school is built was backed by councillors.

At the May 14 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, members were asked to back a consultation on a proposal to establish a Learning Resource Centre (LRC) for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Complex Learning Needs at Milford Haven Community Primary School.

The establishment of an LRC forms part of the outline business case for the redevelopment of schools in Milford Haven.

A report for members said: “A Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is a classroom-based provision within a mainstream school for pupils with complex needs.

“A LRC provides pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum that is highly differentiated, to support them in achieving their full potential and at the same time offering pupils the opportunity to be part of mainstream activities and lessons to socialise with their peers whilst their individual needs are supported and met.

“Generally, LRCs are strategically located to minimise travelling time for pupils. There are currently 10 primary and five Secondary LRCs across Pembrokeshire.”

Primary LRCs in Pembrokeshire are at: Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, Waldo Williams, Fenton, Gelliswick, Monkton, Tenby, Johnston, Pembroke Dock, Neyland, and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi.

Secondary LRC provisions are located in three areas: North Pembrokeshire – based in Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard, and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, St Davids; South Pembrokeshire – based in Ysgol Harri Tudur, Pembroke, and Ysgol Greenhill, Tenby; Mid Pembrokeshire – based at the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre, Neyland.

The council resolved back in 2019 to establish a LRC at Milford Haven Secondary School, which will replace the current provision at the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre (PLC).

The report added: “Within the Strategic Outline Case for the redevelopment of the Milford Haven schools, provision has already been made for a purpose built 36-place LRC within the new secondary school, replacing the existing provision at the PLC as part of the rolling programme.

“Establishing a 24-place LRC within the proposed primary school on the same site would further enhance local specialist provision and would deliver improved standards of accommodation for pupils with ALN through dedicated, purpose-built facilities designed in accordance with the Welsh Government’s latest area guidelines.

“Milford Haven Community Primary School represents an optimal location for the establishment of a new LRC. The school is the largest feeder to Milford Haven Secondary School and the co-location of primary and secondary provision on a single site creates a clear and coherent pathway for learners with additional learning needs.”

It went on to say the 24-place LRC would account for some £2.6m of the overall projected £143m cost of the overall Milford Haven Schools Redevelopment; the 24-place LRC would receive £316,000 of funding a year.

Approval was moved by Cllr Guy Woodham, backed by Cllr Aled Thomas, and unanimously supported by members.

Community

Cilgerran Church in Wales school discontinuation backed

Published

3 days ago

May 16, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to discontinue a Pembrokeshire school has been backed by councillors despite 97 per cent of those responding to a recent consultation being against the change.

Last year, councillors backed a general consultation to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, and to establish it as a 3-11 community school, the consultation closing earlier this year.

That consultation followed a review which “considered the extent of surplus school places in the area, set against a significant decline in the pupil population,” the council has previously said.

Hundreds opposed the proposed changes, with a petition on the council’s own website opposing the changes gaining 391 signatures.

During the consultation, 203 responses were received; 97 per cent (197 responses) against the proposal, with just 1.5 per cent (three) in favour.

Earlier this year, councillors heard from vice-chair of the school governors Gary Fieldhouse who said the loss of the Church in Wales status would be “a profound mistake,” the school’s association with the church “not symbolic but fundamental”.

Reverend John Cecil had told councillors the proposals were “fundamentally flawed,” with the school’s land legally in trust as a Church of Wales school, and change “essentially creating a new school with no premises to occupy”.

Following the ending of the consultation, a report was brought before the May 14 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.

The report for members presented by Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham, who moved approval, recommended the Director of Education be authorised to publish a Statutory Notice to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled school and establish the same as a 3-11 Community School.

On the land issue, the report said: “The Authority acknowledges that the school site includes land owned by the Diocese. Should the proposal proceed, the change of school category would be subject to appropriate legal agreements to ensure continued occupation of the premises.

“No change would be implemented without resolving land ownership and occupation rights in accordance with statutory and legal requirements.”

The report concluded: “The consultation exercise has provided a valuable opportunity for statutory consultees and other interested parties to give their perspective on the proposal to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Control School and establish the same as a 3-11 Community School.

“While arguments were made against the proposal, together with a small number of supportive comments, officers remain of the view that this is the most appropriate option in the context of quality and future sustainability of educational provision.”

At the May meeting, Cllr Jamie Adams felt the push for the change was “seemingly pushing water uphill,” with the school performing well; adding: “I’m a bit confused, we’re trying to impose a decision on a community that doesn’t want it.”

Recently elected councillor Scott Thorley echoed that, saying: “97 per cent want to keep it a VC, I think we should respect that.”

Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes said it was “about long term viability in the area,” members hearing from officers Cilgerran had a 28 surplus in pupil spaces.

Members by 34 to 16, with two abstentions, back the discontinuation recommendation.

The statutory notice will trigger a 28-day objection period, an objection report being brought to a future council meeting for determination.

Education

Saundersfoot school praised for nurturing ethos and pupil wellbeing

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAUNDERSFOOT C.P. School has been praised by Estyn for its nurturing culture, strong staff teamwork and clear focus on pupil wellbeing.

The school received positive recognition following an inspection in March 2026, with inspectors highlighting effective leadership, high-quality support for pupils and a calm, inclusive learning environment.

The report describes Saundersfoot C.P. School as “an inclusive and nurturing community where pupils feel valued and supported”.

Inspectors said pupils benefit from safe, calm classrooms and strong, trusting relationships with staff.

Wellbeing at the heart

Estyn praised the school’s emphasis on wellbeing, noting that leaders place pupils’ emotional and social development at the centre of school life.

The report also recognised the dedication and professionalism of staff, highlighting effective collaboration between teachers and support staff.

Teaching assistants were described as “highly skilled”, with inspectors noting their important role in helping pupils, including those with additional learning needs, receive targeted support and make good progress.

The school was also commended for its strong culture of care, robust safeguarding arrangements and effective partnerships with parents, governors and external agencies.

Areas for development identified by the school and Estyn include outdoor learning and attendance. However, the report confirms that Saundersfoot C.P. School has a secure foundation built on positive relationships, committed staff and a wellbeing-led ethos.

Headteacher Nick Allan said: “At Saundersfoot C.P. School, wellbeing is central to everything we do. We are proud that Estyn has recognised the calm, nurturing environment our staff create, where children feel safe, confident and ready to learn.

“Strong relationships sit at the heart of our school. Knowing our pupils well as individuals enables us to support not just their academic progress, but their emotional and social development too.

“This is integral to the school’s ethos and values. I am proud to lead such a dedicated team that provides a meaningful difference to pupils’ learning and wellbeing here in Saundersfoot.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, said: “It is always immensely pleasing when one of our schools receives positive recognition from Estyn. Such recognition does not happen easily and is the culmination of months and years of hard work by everyone involved with the school.

“My thanks and congratulations therefore go to the headteacher, staff and all those who have made this success possible — well done all.”