Powys and Denbighshire schools shake-up talks continue

Powys council has blamed falling school rolls and financial pressures for changes

The future of schools in Powys and Denbighshire has been under discussion at council cabinet meetings.

In Powys, two secondary schools could close and Welsh medium secondary education moved from Brecon to Builth Wells.

The cabinet approved a decision to draft a business case for a new Welsh medium school for the north of Powys.

Meanwhile, Denbighshire council's cabinet voted to close Ysgol Rhewl in Ruthin in August 2017.

Existing pupils will be transferred to other schools.

Denbighshire council's cabinet also decided to hold a consultation on plans to move the closure of two Denbighshire primary schools back a year.

The original plan was to close Ruthin schools Ysgol Pentrecelyn and Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd in 2016.

The cabinet said it would allow further time for the two schools to work together before an amalgamation.

Several Welsh local authorities are trying to get to grips with changing pupil numbers.

Welsh schools watchdog Estyn has highlighted complications arising from fewer pupil places in secondary schools but rising numbers in primary schools.

A growing demand for Welsh medium education and disparities between urban and rural areas have also been highlighted as factors affecting pupil numbers.