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.

Pembrokeshire County Council has since confirmed it was aware of the situation and had provided guidance to Ysgol Henry Tudor when the matter was raised. A spokesperson said the authority is satisfied that appropriate safeguarding measures are in place, and that the school is following its procedures as outlined to parents in its communication. The update comes amid some concern from parents, including comments shared with The Herald and on social media, although no incidents relating to the matter have been reported.

SCHOOLS in Carmarthenshire have been recognised for improving careers education as a national rollout of a new award scheme moves a step closer.

The Careers Wales Quality Award (CWQA), which has been piloted since September 2023, has involved 66 schools and education settings across Wales. These include primary and secondary schools, special schools, pupil referral units and EOTAS provisions.

Among those taking part are Ysgol Glan-y-Mor, Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Ysgol Gynradd Llandybie and Burry Port Community Primary School.

Early feedback from the pilot suggests schools have strengthened leadership and planning around careers education, improved engagement with parents and employers, and increased pupils’ involvement in shaping their own learning. Teachers have also reported greater confidence in delivering careers-related lessons.

The scheme focuses on careers and work-related experiences for learners aged three to 16, aligned with the Curriculum for Wales.

Registration has now opened for schools across Wales to join the programme from September 2026.

The award is split into three stages — leadership, development and impact — designed to help schools build a structured approach to careers education and demonstrate its impact on pupils.

A national rollout will also introduce Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, aimed at recognising progress while allowing flexibility for different schools.

Mark Owen, Head of Stakeholder Services at Careers Wales, said the pilot had helped shape the scheme ahead of its wider launch.

He said: “High-quality careers and work-related experiences play an essential role in helping learners understand their options and develop the confidence and skills they need for the future.

“We’re encouraged by the positive impact we’re already seeing and look forward to welcoming more schools to take part.”

LOCAL authorities are helping schools manage their day-to-day finances, but a lack of consistent strategic support is undermining long-term planning, a new report has found.

The review by Estyn, titled Local authority support for schools to manage their budgets, examines how effectively councils are supporting maintained schools during a period of growing financial pressure.

Inspectors found that schools generally value the advice and guidance provided by local authority finance teams. Many benefit from strong operational support, helping them monitor spending, manage grants and meet financial requirements.

However, the report highlights significant weaknesses in longer-term planning. Too often, support focuses on balancing annual budgets rather than helping schools make confident decisions about the future.

While budget-setting processes are typically transparent, the quality and timing of financial information varies widely. This inconsistency makes it harder for headteachers and governors to plan staffing and curriculum provision effectively.

The report also found that although most councils monitor financial risks and support schools in difficulty, approaches to early intervention and long-term sustainability are uneven. In many cases, efforts focus on short-term savings rather than building financial resilience.

Estyn said the strongest performance was seen where finance, human resources and school improvement teams work closely together. This joined-up approach allows risks to be identified earlier and ensures financial decisions support educational priorities.

Owen Evans, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Estyn, said: “Local authorities across Wales are strongly committed to supporting schools, and schools value the professionalism of finance teams.

“However, schools need clearer, more timely information and stronger support to plan for the medium and long term. Where services work together, authorities are better able to identify risks early and support sustainable decisions that benefit learners.”

The report calls on the Welsh Government to improve the predictability of funding and simplify arrangements to support long-term planning.

It also recommends that local authorities strengthen strategic support by improving multi-year planning, providing clearer financial information and working more closely across finance, workforce and school improvement services.