Education

Welsh universities ‘not at immediate risk of collapse’

Published

6 months ago

May 27, 2025

NO WELSH university is at immediate risk of collapsing under the weight of multi-million-pound deficits, according to the head of a public body set up to oversee post-16 education.

Simon Pirotte, chief executive of Medr, which was established in August, gave evidence to the Senedd education committee’s inquiry on issues facing higher education (HE).

Medr, which has a near-£1bn budget, is responsible for funding and regulating post-16 education and research – including colleges and sixth forms, unlike its predecessor Hefcw.

Mr Pirotte told the committee: “I think it’s fair to say… there are massive challenges facing the whole of the tertiary sector at the moment.”

He added: “It’s an incredibly challenging time for institutions across the tertiary sector, every part… HE, local authority schools, FE [further education] colleges, apprenticeship providers, adult community providers – they’re all facing financial pressures.”

The former Bridgend College principal, who has been in education for around 40 years, emphasised that the “very challenging financial context” is not unique to Wales.

“Almost 100 institutions across the UK have announced restructuring measures,” he said. “So these are challenging times but it’s also essential that institutions cure their financial sustainability and continue to provide those best experiences for learners.

“And I think it’s fair to say that this requires some difficult decisions, including looking at prioritisation and efficiency measures… nobody wants to see job losses and I can say that as a former head of an FE college.

“I know how hard those decisions are and understand the tension between ensuring an institution’s financial sustainability but also considering the human impact.”

Appearing before the committee on May 21, Mr Pirotte told Senedd Members he faced similar pressures previously, with increasing costs not met by an increase in income.

“You have to identify additional sources of income and if that isn’t possible, you have to consider scaling back or stopping certain activities,” he said. “And this is the situation facing most institutions in Wales and indeed across the UK.”

Mr Pirotte explained that Medr uses externally audited financial statements to assess the challenges facing universities. “And we do not believe that any institution in Wales is at risk of failure in the immediate short term,” he said.

Pointing to data published by Medr last week, he said universities faced a £61m operating deficit in 2023/24 compared with a £21m surplus in 2022/23.

He told the committee: “This deficit of £61m does not account for the one-off restructuring costs. If you add that in you’re probably talking about a £77m deficit.”

Mr Pirotte said more than half of costs in the sector are associated with staffing.

“If we take a 2.5% annual pay settlement for HE, that estimates about £22m a year,” he said. “The increase in the employer national insurance costs, that’s another estimated… £20m.

“Employer contributions for teachers’ pension schemes, which particularly affects four of our institutions across Wales, is estimated to cost £6m a year.”

He also raised inflationary pressures, energy costs, increasing cybersecurity risks, a downturn in the number of international students and the loss of EU structural funds.

Mr Pirotte estimated increases in tuition fees to £9,535 a year will generate an additional income of about £36m “but this will not cover the costs”.

He warned that the UK Government’s contentious proposals on immigration have further fuelled concerns among providers around international recruitment.

On proposed cuts to courses, he stressed that universities are autonomous with “subject provision driven by markets, by demand – what students want to study”.

Mr Pirotte said the Tertiary Education Act 2022, which established Medr, specifically states that the body must not use its funding powers to require nor prohibit certain courses.

Natasha Asghar, the Tory shadow education secretary, said: “Medr seems to be the answer to everyone’s prayers but when it comes to the nitty gritties… in relation to feedback to ministers: how much of it is going to be taken on board and actually acted upon?”

South Wales East Senedd Member Natasha Asghar

Mr Pirotte replied: “We’re certainly listened to – we have good, constructive dialogue.”

James Owen, Medr’s chief operating officer who is a former Welsh Government director, welcomed an additional £28.5m of in-year investment from ministers.

Plaid Cymru’s Cefin Campbell, a former lecturer, questioned how close some universities are to going into administration. “How close are we to some sort of meltdown?” he asked.

Mr Pirotte reiterated: “We’re not saying there’s an institution that is in danger of falling over in the short term but there are medium- to longer-term challenges….

“This is not easy – the reason that they’re taking the actions that they are doing now is to prevent that falling over further down the line.”

Pressed by Ms Ashgar about whether he can see the £77m deficit growing, he said: “Yes is the simple answer but what we don’t know yet is the final impact of the kind of measures that organisations are taking at the moment.

“The future is really challenging… that’s why institutions are addressing the issues now – because they have to, otherwise that situation would get worse.”

Education

Primary school application deadline reminder

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PARENTS or guardians of children in Pembrokeshire born between 01/09/2021 – 31/08/2022 are invited to apply for a Primary school place (Reception year group) for September 2026 by the closing date of 31st January 2026.

Applications received after this date will be considered late which may have a bearing on whether your child gets a place at your preferred school.

It is important to note that a school place will not be allocated unless a formal application is received.

The online application form can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning under ‘Apply for a School Place’.

There is no need to re-apply if you have already submitted an application form. You can view your current applications by logging into your My Account and into the ‘Schools & Learning’ ‘School Admissions & Transport’ section.

For further information on the school admissions process, please view our Information to Parents

Parents/guardians will be informed of the allocation of places on the common offer date of 16th April 2026.

Crime

Former Swansea headteacher banned after exposing himself to staff

Published

5 days ago

November 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SWANSEA primary school headteacher who repeatedly exposed himself to female colleagues – both on school grounds and during a school trip – has been barred from working in education in Wales for at least fifteen years.

James “Jamie” Richards, who led Cadle Primary School between 2011 and 2021, was removed from the Education Workforce Council (EWC) register after a professional conduct panel found numerous allegations against him proven. The panel described his behaviour as “harassing, abusive and predatory”.

Richards, a father-of-two, did not attend the four-day hearing, was not represented, and did not respond to the allegations. The panel therefore treated all allegations as denied but considered them on the evidence before them.

Staff left traumatised

During the hearing, several current and former staff members gave accounts of being left “shocked”, “numb”, and “frightened” by Richards’ actions.

One woman said she was summoned to his office and found him standing next to his desk with his trousers and underwear around his ankles. Another member of staff recalled him showing explicit images on his phone during a meeting, while others described a video he displayed of himself touching his genitals.

Five women in total told the panel that Richards had exposed himself to them. Some said they had been too scared to report what happened at the time. One recalled him saying he “can’t help myself” after an incident.

The panel heard that Richards did not return a school-issued laptop during an internal investigation in 2021 – the same device he was said to have used to display naked images of himself.

One complainant told the hearing she felt “silenced” and let down after Richards was allowed to resign while the school’s internal investigation was underway. She also described feeling “unbelieved” when South Wales Police later decided there was no criminal case to answer.

Concerns over dishonesty

The panel was told that Richards had refused to participate in an independent internal investigation at the school in 2021. He claimed, via his union, that ill health prevented him from being interviewed.

However, evidence from a Swansea Council fraud team contradicted this. Investigators filmed Richards driving and playing golf with friends at a time when he was claiming he was too unwell to co-operate.

Presenting officer Sara Lewis said Richards had abused his position of trust and had told frightened staff not to speak out.

Struck off until at least 2040

The EWC panel said it had no information about Richards’ current employment or whether he planned to return to teaching. However, it concluded that his behaviour amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and that striking him off was the only appropriate outcome.

Richards cannot apply for reinstatement until November 2040. He has 28 days to appeal the decision to the High Court.

Education

Pembrokeshire talent strike gold as Wales hosts WorldSkills UK finals for first time

Published

6 days ago

November 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WALES has hosted the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the very first time – marking a historic milestone for the nation and showcasing its largest ever team of competitors.

Following the Team Wales Torch Relay, which toured the country to celebrate skills and unite colleges and communities, the Finals brought together more than 400 of the UK’s top apprentices and learners who competed for the title of best in their trade.

From 26–28 November, events were held across five venues in South Wales, covering over 40 skill areas including engineering, digital, construction, hospitality and the creative industries.

The results were revealed during a medal ceremony at ICC Wales on Friday, 28 November, where Team Wales achieved an exceptional 57 medals in total.

Pembrokeshire College students excelled on the national stage, securing 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze and 2 Highly Commended medals. Competitors also delivered an impressive performance in Foundation Skills, bringing home 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Highly Commended – underlining Wales’ commitment to inclusive, accessible skills development.

This year’s Finals featured 122 Welsh competitors – the highest number Wales has ever fielded. Welsh entrants made up around 30% of all UK competitors, highlighting both the depth of skills talent in Wales and the impact of sustained investment in training and facilities.

Bronze medallist Mason Aitchison, who competed in Welding, said he was delighted with his achievement.

“After getting Silver at Skills Competition Wales, the WorldSkills UK National Finals felt like the natural next step for me.
I’ve put in so much practice to improve my welding skills, and competing has really helped me grow. Learning from trainers, tutors and peers has been invaluable – it’s all about building your skills through practice.”

Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant praised Team Wales’ performance.

“I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to Team Wales on their outstanding success at this year’s WorldSkills UK National Finals.
Hosting the Finals for the first time has been a proud moment for our nation, and the achievements of our competitors highlight their dedication and the exceptional quality of vocational talent we have here in Wales.”

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, added: “These exceptional young people represent the future of our economy. They are the new generation of highflyers who will give UK employers a competitive edge. Our competitions, based on global standards, play a vital role in developing the skills that will drive investment, create jobs and fuel economic growth.”

WorldSkills UK, the Welsh Government and Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales welcomed leading employers, global industry experts and representatives from across the UK’s education and training sector to watch the Finals unfold.

Skills competitions in Wales begin at regional level through Skills Competition Wales, before progressing to national and then international WorldSkills stages.

Medallists at WorldSkills UK may now be selected for Squad UK, with the opportunity to represent their country at future global competitions.

For more information on WorldSkills UK and SkillBuild, or to get involved as a competitor, tutor or employer, visit: https://inspiringskills.gov.wales
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