Meetings start on schools review in Flintshire

A series of public events is starting to discuss a multimillion-pound shake-up of secondary school education in Flintshire.

Parents, pupils, teachers and the wider community are being invited to take part in the consultation.

The county council said some of its school buildings no longer met the needs of pupils and staff and there were too many surplus places.

The first event is taking place at Holywell High School on Monday.

More follow at Elfed High School, John Summers High, Connah's Quay High and Argoed High.

Those attending will be able to ask questions and discuss any ideas they may have.

Those who are unable to attend can make their views known by visiting the council's website and completing a form online.

The council said there were three high schools - Holywell, Elfed and John Summers - where surplus places were now over 25%.

There have been reports of school mergers but the council said nothing has been decided.

A spokesperson said: "It's important that we make sure that we use the resources we have efficiently and effectively so that we provide value for money whilst improving our schools and supporting our learners to achieve.

"The challenge we currently face is that we want to make sure all our schools are 'fit for purpose' when there is limited money to deliver increasing expectations.

"Too many of our schools are in inappropriate buildings that can't meet the needs of pupils and staff.

"Pupil numbers are generally going down, and, as a result, there are more surplus places in some of our schools."

It said all councils in Wales had been instructed to reduce surplus school places by the Welsh Government, the school inspection body Estyn and the Wales Audit Office.