Education

Unions respond to PISA results

Published

9 years ago

December 16, 2016

Not the time for panic: Rachel Curley, ATL

AFTER last week’s PISA results, those responsible for delivering children’s education have spoken out about what the results do and do not mean.

Rob Williams, Director of Policy for NAHT Cymru, the school leaders’ union for Wales, said:

“The publication of the PISA results is often a time to look at how the Welsh education is performing compared to other countries.

“However, it is important to look beyond the league table if we are to truly make use of the data, including what good education systems offer.

“High performing systems invest in teachers, reject continual restructures and reforms, and put forward clear long-term visions for education policy. We would urge the Welsh Government to now stick to the current policy path for curriculum reform and investment in the profession.

“Convenient as it is to compare countries, it is important to note that other factors that have an impact on educational disadvantage, such as poverty, do not form part of the judgements on education systems.

“Government tinkering can often be a distraction from what we know works – good quality teaching and leadership. PISA can be a useful indicator but, like all data, we need to use it intelligently and understand its limitations.”

David Evans, NUT Cymru Secretary, said: “Too often in Wales, frequently in reaction to PISA, we have seen knee jerk reactions which have actually hindered educational progress. Indeed, the OECD itself has criticised the Welsh Government in the past for establishing and creating ‘reform fatigue’ in Wales. With the proposals around the new curriculum, new qualifications and potential changes to the way we train teachers and utilise the supply sector, there are already big reforms on the horizon which will have positive impacts.

“Significantly these are changes that the profession itself has welcomed and is prepared to embrace. We now need to create a settled system and get the implementation of these initiatives right. If we do that there is no reason why progress cannot be made across all indicators, including PISA.”

“Although PISA is an international measure, it is none the less a very narrow indicator. It is essential that that we all look very carefully at these results and put them in the proper context,” said Ywain Myfyr, Policy Officer with UCAC.

“We certainly shouldn’t let them distract us from the crucial reforms that are already in progress.

“PISA is perhaps, above all else, a tool for policy makers and there seems to be a consensus in Wales that, policy wise, we’re now moving in the right direction.”

“Although disappointing, these results shouldn’t lead to yet another new initiative or change in policy direction.”

Those views were echoed by Rachel Curley of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers Cymru, who said: “This is not the time for hand wringing or panic in response to the PISA results. It would have been naïve to expect major improvements since the last set of results four years ago.

“PISA is an important measure, but it is only one measure of Wales’ education system.”

NASUWT Cymru’s Rex Phillips was forthright: “Leighton Andrews turned PISA into a disaster zone for the Welsh Government when he created an artificial crisis in 2010 around the 2009 outcomes.

“Huw Lewis attempted to repair the damage caused by his predecessor by acknowledging that moving to a curriculum fit for PISA was going to take some time.

“Cabinet Secretary for Education Kirsty Williams AM would do well to just note the PISA outcomes and decide whether to continue in the quest for a curriculum fit for PISA or stand up for a curriculum that is fit for purpose for Wales.”

Education

Tenby school built just nine years ago needs new roof

Published

2 days ago

November 15, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PUPILS at a leaking Pembrokeshire school, built just nine years ago, which now has more than 500 props holding up parts of its roof, are likely to be forced to relocate while a new roof is put on.

Tenby VC School, a 3–11 English-medium primary school with an additional Learning Resource Centre (LRC) provision, was built in 2016.

Just a few years after its build, there were reports of water ingress.

Initial investigations in 2023 identified the requirement for repairs to the flat roof areas, and in 2024 its solar PV array was removed to reduce the load on the roof following engineer advice.

Last November, a £75,000 feasibility budget to look at ways of tackling roof leaks at Tenby’s VC school, including a complete new roof, was backed by members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet.

At the time, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “A number of [areas of water ingress] have been repaired, but unfortunately a number of leaks have resulted in a weakening of the structure and components within the roof construction.”

In response to the findings of the feasibility study, the council has implemented a series of urgent health and safety measures to mitigate immediate risks, a report for members at the November 2025 Cabinet meeting said.

These include the installation of 510 ‘acro’ props to support vulnerable roof areas and the full closure of the Early Years/Playgroup wing, along with regular inspections.

At the meeting, members received a report detailing the findings of the feasibility study, presented by Cllr Woodham, with a favoured option of the replacement of entire roof.

It said: “Considering the recommendation to proceed with [full roof replacement] a comprehensive decant strategy needs to be developed with all stakeholders and the community to ensure educational continuity, meet health and safety requirements and safeguard the wellbeing of pupils and staff throughout the construction period and following information needs to be considered in relation to any decant strategy.”

Cllr Woodham said he was “totally aware of the concern in relation to how this progresses,” adding: “The priority is the wellbeing of the learners and staff at the school, we’ll do everything to move as quickly as we can.”

Members backed recommendations that the School Modernisation Working Group be requested to determine the final preferred outcomes in relation to the Tenby Area, and that those recommendations be presented to full council in December.

They also backed tenders for the works being sought, with a further report to Cabinet, and a comprehensive decant strategy be produced; a report returning to Cabinet by January at the latest.

Business

Door supervisor training returns to Pembroke with new work opportunities

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Six-day SIA course includes emergency first aid and unlimited resits

A LEADING security training provider is bringing its latest SIA Door Supervisor course to Pembroke next month, offering local people a route into full-time and flexible work across the events and security industry.

RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd will run the six-day course from 1–6 December, with the option to include Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW). The standard course is priced at £300, or £350 including EFAW, with an additional £50 for unlimited resits, making it one of the most accessible routes into the profession.

The company, recently recognised as one of the best training providers of 2024/25 by Pembrokeshire County Council and Future Works, says demand for licensed security staff remains high across West Wales — particularly for events, hospitality, night-time economy venues and seasonal activities.

Local opportunity

The course offers a mix of classroom learning and practical scenarios, delivered by experienced industry instructors. Organisers say trainees can expect:

Funding options (subject to eligibility)
Free daily refreshments
Results within four days
Access to job opportunities once a licence is issued

With major events in Tenby, Pembroke, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest routinely seeking licensed door staff, the programme is expected to attract strong local interest.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said the course continues to draw people from a range of backgrounds: “We train complete beginners, people changing careers, and those already working in hospitality or retail who want extra qualifications. There is always work available for good, reliable staff.”

Wider availability

Alongside Pembroke, the company also runs regular training in Port Talbot, Aberystwyth, Cardiff, Cardigan, Dartford and Kent, supporting learners across Wales and beyond.

Anyone wishing to book a place can do so online at:
www.rmtrainingandsecuritysolutionsltd.co.uk/security-training/booking-form

Enquiries can be made via:
[email protected]
07388 069 600 or 01834 526 418.

Education

Ten years of ‘Food and Fun’: Welsh holiday scheme marks milestone with awards

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A decade of support for families celebrated, with Neyland Community Primary School among Wales-wide winners

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S flagship Food and Fun school holiday enrichment programme has celebrated its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of supporting thousands of families during the long summer break.

The awards ceremony, held earlier this month, recognised schools, volunteers, catering teams and health boards who have played a key role in shaping the programme. One of this year’s winners was Neyland Community Primary School, which received the Working Together Award, highlighting the strength of community partnerships in Pembrokeshire.

Ten years on

Food and Fun began as a small Cardiff Council pilot and has since grown into a national scheme coordinated by the Welsh Local Government Association and funded by the Welsh Government. It now operates across all twenty-two local authorities.

Each summer, the scheme provides free healthy meals alongside activity sessions, giving children a safe, social and active space during the holidays. Over the past decade, more than 800,000 places have been delivered. This summer alone, around 15,000 learners from 300 schools took part.

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle, who presented awards at the event, said the success of the programme was down to the dedication of staff and volunteers who work with partner organisations to offer enriching opportunities.

She said: “The value of our investment goes far beyond pounds and pence. Helping families enjoy activities, learn about nutrition, engage with friends and have delicious food is at the heart of Food and Fun.”

Councillor Lis Burnett, WLGA spokesperson for Education, added that the programme’s strength lay in the collaboration between councils, schools and partner organisations.

Celebrating local achievement

Neyland Community Primary School’s recognition for its partnership work brings the national story home to Pembrokeshire. The school has long been praised locally for its community engagement, and this award places it among the top examples of best practice across Wales.

Full list of winners

Council Co-ordinator: Paul Williams, Neath Port Talbot Youth Service
Co-ordinator award scheme: Sabrina Amor, Herbert Thompson Primary School
Scheme Staff award: Luke Cross, Ysgol Cwm Brombil
Catering award: Sarah Lever and Caroline Clatworthy, Bridgend Catering
Volunteer Award: Harri and Sion Colthard, Ysgol Calon y Cymoedd
Health Board Award: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Sports Coach Awards: MonLife
Working Together Award: Neyland Community Primary School
School Impact Award: Gemma Ness, Ysgol Awel Y Mor
Outstanding Contribution Award: Angharad Williams, Ysgol y Gogarth
Children’s Choice Award: Justin Johnson, Torfaen Play

The Welsh Government has described Food and Fun as a model for ensuring young people stay active, healthy and connected throughout the summer, particularly during a time when many families feel financial pressure most acutely.