Pembrokeshire Council voted to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales school as a three to 11 community school despite 97% of consultation respondents opposing the change
Cilgerran Church in Wales School(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
A proposal to discontinue a Pembrokeshire school has received backing from councillors despite 97% of consultation respondents opposing the move.
Last year, councillors approved a general consultation on discontinuing Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School and establishing it as a three to 11 community school, with the consultation concluding earlier this year. The consultation followed a review which “considered the extent of surplus school places in the area, set against a significant decline in the pupil population”, according to the council.
Hundreds objected to the proposed changes, with a petition on the council’s website opposing the alterations attracting 391 signatures. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
Throughout the consultation period, 203 responses were submitted; 97% (197 responses) opposing the proposal, with merely 1.5% (three) supporting it.
Earlier this year, councillors heard from school governors’ vice-chair Gary Fieldhouse, who argued that losing the Church in Wales status would be “a profound mistake”, describing the school’s connection with the church as “not symbolic but fundamental”.
Reverend John Cecil told councillors the proposals were “fundamentally flawed”, noting the school’s land is legally held in trust as a Church of Wales school, with the change “essentially creating a new school with no premises to occupy”.
Following the consultation’s conclusion, a report was presented at the May 14 meeting of Pembrokeshire Council.
The report to members, presented by Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language councillor Guy Woodham, who proposed its approval, advised that the Director of Education should be given authority to publish a Statutory Notice to close Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled school and re-establish it as a three to 11 community school.
Regarding the land matter, the report stated: “The authority acknowledges that the school site includes land owned by the Diocese. Should the proposal proceed, the change of school category would be subject to appropriate legal agreements to ensure continued occupation of the premises.
“No change would be implemented without resolving land ownership and occupation rights in accordance with statutory and legal requirements.”
The report concluded: “The consultation exercise has provided a valuable opportunity for statutory consultees and other interested parties to give their perspective on the proposal to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Control School and establish the same as a 3-11 Community School.
“While arguments were made against the proposal, together with a small number of supportive comments, officers remain of the view that this is the most appropriate option in the context of quality and future sustainability of educational provision.”
At the May meeting, councillor Jamie Adams believed the campaign for the alteration was “seemingly pushing water uphill”, given the school’s strong performance, stating: “I’m a bit confused, we’re trying to impose a decision on a community that doesn’t want it.”
Newly elected councillor Scott Thorley shared this view, remarking: “97% want to keep it a VC, I think we should respect that.”
Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes explained it was “about long term viability in the area”, with members learning from officers that Cilgerran had 28 surplus pupil places.
Members voted 34 to 16, with two abstentions, in favour of the discontinuation proposal.
The statutory notice will initiate a 28-day objection period, with an objection report to be presented at a future council meeting for determination.
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