The Full Council met today to make a decision on the proposed restructure of Abertillery Learning Community. The proposal included the closure of the Roseheyworth Road Campus and the transfer of pupils to the Learning Community鈥檚 other primary campuses.
The changes were proposed due to declining pupil numbers and growing budget pressures.
The Council voted 16 for the proposal and 14 against the proposal, meaning the proposal was approved. The new arrangements are expected to be in place by September 2027, with transition arrangements put in place over the next year.
Councillor Sue Edmunds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families said:
鈥淎fter much consideration and consultation, the proposal to reduce the number of primary sites from three to two at Abertillery Learning Community was approved today. We acknowledge the feelings and concerns expressed by some members of the community over the past few months, and I want to say that this was an extremely difficult decision, which was not taken lightly.
鈥淲e were faced with the very stark reality that the Learning Community could not continue with the declining pupil numbers and significant surplus capacity across the primary phase. Growing financial pressures threaten the long-term sustainability of the school and both Estyn and the Local Authority School Improvement Service agree that the decision made today is the right one if we want to protect educational standards, support financial stability, and secure the future of the Learning Community.
鈥淲e considered several alternative proposals put forward as part of the consultation but unfortunately none of these solved the long-term financial deficit facing the Learning Community.
鈥淚 would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and participate in the consultation. We are committed to working with everyone to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.鈥�
You can read the report to Council in full