News

Secondary schools are in decline

Published

11 years ago

December 19, 2013

SIX PEMBROKESHIRE secondary schools’ performance has declined over the last three years, according to data released yesterday (Thursday, December 12).

Not a single secondary school makes it into the top tier of banding, while two schools are in the lowest band for performance. The schools in the lowest band are Tasker Milward VC School, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven School.

Two Pembrokeshire secondary schools have improved their level two performances in English, Mathematics and Welsh over the three year period covered by the data, Pembroke School and Ysgol Greenhill.

The most marked performance declines have been at Tasker Milward School, where relative performance has fallen by 28.9 points, and Ysgol y Preseli has declined by 35.1 points over the same period. Ysgol y Preseli was the only school in Pembrokeshire in the three year reporting period tothe highest rating band. Criticism has been made by teaching unions about the data being inconsistent.

David Evans, head of NUT Cymru, said: “It is hard to see how a system that has so little support amongst the profession can continue in its current format. It is causing real difficulties for schools and unless that is addressed, risks creating a long-term crisis for Welsh education. We only need to consider the fact that the school ranked at the top of Band 1 last year but now finding itself in Band 4 to see that this is a seriously flawed system.”

Council Leader, Councillor Jamie Adams, said: “Pembrokeshire County Council notes the publication of the banding of secondary schools, which presents a mixed outcome for our schools.

“We are working with the schools identified as needing to improve their position.

“Pembrokeshire, like other local authorities in Wales, uses the outcomes of the school banding process to support school improvement.

“It is one part of a series of performance indicators used that support the evidence in self-evaluation.

“When used constructively and in context, it provides a good range of data demonstrating trends and annual performance. Schools are challenged and appropriate support and targeted interventions are undertaken.

“Since the data was available to schools and the local authority during the summer, appropriate interventions and support are now in place.”

Business

Tenby Stores wins £5,000 award for community support

Published

3 minutes ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TENBY STORES has been recognised as a Local Retail Champion, earning a £5,000 prize from Allwyn’s National Lottery Social Value Fund for its outstanding community support.

The shop has been praised for its commitment to helping the local area, providing free fruit to schools, assisting with the community fridge, and ensuring elderly residents receive their groceries with care.

Henry Tufnell MP expressed his delight at the recognition, stating: “Small businesses like Tenby Stores are the backbone of our communities, and I couldn’t be prouder to see them celebrated.”

The award highlights the important role independent retailers play in supporting local people.

News

Welsh Government’s £789m investment package approved by Senedd

Published

5 minutes ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH GOVERMENT’S Second Supplementary Budget 2024-25 has today been approved by the Senedd.

The £789m funding package, which was published in February, received final approval today. It includes substantial investments which have been delivered throughout the year, including:

£264m for public sector pay rises announced in September.
£108m for NHS improvements, including £50m to reduce the longest waiting times by the end of March 2025.
£63.5m to improve school standards and support education at all levels.
£53.5m for school and college infrastructure repairs and digital improvements.
£10m to increase social housing through the Social Housing Grant.

Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “We welcome the Senedd’s approval of this crucial budget. This investment strengthens the services that matter most to the people of Wales. The extra funding is supporting improvements in the NHS and schools; has provided pay increases for public sector workers and is helping to build more affordable homes for Welsh families.”

The Second Supplementary Budget also includes £166.7m for rail improvements and sustainable travel, £33.5m for road network safety, and £10m in emergency support for local authorities to repair damage caused by the winter storms.

The budget provides the essential foundation for the Welsh Government’s financial planning for 2025-26.

Crime

Domestic violence offender jailed after breaching court order

Published

4 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A LONG-STANDING Pembrokeshire domestic violence offender has been sent back to prison after breaching a domestic violence protection order.

Paul Webber was arrested on March 18 after being seen kissing his victim outside probation offices in Haverfordwest, despite a court order preventing contact.

A court order imposed by Llanelli magistrates earlier this month prevented him from making any contact with the female after being convicted of threatening to kill her, strangle her, and sexually assault her.

“On March 12, a report was made to police that he’d attended a probation appointment with the female, who remained standing outside the offices,” a spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“Police officers viewed the CCTV footage and recognised the female as the victim.

“This was clearly a breach of the domestic violence protection order towards a vulnerable woman, and there’s also concern that she minimises incidents. He’s known as a domestic violence instigator with previous partners.”

Webber, of Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to breaching the domestic violence protection order.

He was sentenced to 28 days in custody.

“You were aware of the terms of the order but you deliberately breached it,” said the presiding magistrate when passing sentence.

“You showed a complete disregard for it.”