CONTROVERSIAL plans to modernise secondary education in Powys have outraged parents and split councillors ... now First Minister Carwyn Jones speaks out about the role played by the Welsh Assembly Government.
In his first exclusive interview with the County Times, Wales’ newly appointed First Minister explained how funding for education in Wales is at an all-time high, the level of funding per pupil in Powys is among the highest in Wales and how additional funding has been allocated to allow learners aged 14 to 19 to experience a greater range of general and vocational provision.
Yet the threat of closure still looms over six high schools in Powys – including Llanidloes, Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion – as the council continues to carry out radical plans to modernise secondary education.
Powys County Council says the review is essential due to falling pupil numbers, severe financial pressures and the demands placed on educational providers because of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Learning Pathways Initiative, a framework for the future of education in Wales.
“Powys County Council will receive £181 million in core funding from the Assembly Government this financial year – equivalent to £1,366 for every man woman and child living in the area. This is more than 10 per cent higher than Cardiff or Wrexham,” explained Carwyn Jones, when asked about the severe financial pressures Powys Council says it is being put under.
“The amount of funding Powys receives per head is higher than other parts of Wales and in addition, Powys also benefits from a considerable level of direct investment from the Assembly Government. Funding for statutory age education is provided through the local government settlement, but of course it is up to the council to decide how to allocate their own resources.
“The level of funding per pupils in Powys is also among the highest in Wales – at £5,625 per pupil. In fact, pupils in Powys receive more funding per head than most of the other local authorities in Wales.
“In Wales spending on education has never been higher, having increased by 71 per cent since 1999-2000. The funding and provision of education in Wales is much better than it was in the 1990s and streets ahead compared to when I was in school in 1980.”
Powys County Council receives 85 per cent of education funding based upon pupils numbers, but they claim falling roles and the requirement to provide more subject choices in both English and Welsh means the costs of providing the subjects increases.
But Carwyn Jones says the amount of money allocated to Powys County Council “will not be affected by a reduction in pupil numbers”.
“The Assembly Government does not fund schools directly – it is the responsibility of the local authority to decide how much goes to education,” said Carwyn Jones.
“Local authorities must allocate funding to schools according to factors, many of which are pupil led.”
He added: “This is entirely appropriate as the number of pupils being educated remains the significant driver of costs. However, the total allocated to education by the authority will not be affected by a reduction in pupil numbers.”
The Assembly Government’s Learning Pathways Initiative sets out a distinct approach being taken to 14-19 provision.
It is designed to transform the way young people are educated in schools in Wales and is based on the fundamental principle that young people must be given every opportunity to realise their potential.
Powys County Council’s target is that all pupils should have access to a choice of 24 subjects at Key Stage Four (14-16 years) by September 2010 and 30 by September 2012. By September 2011, Post 16 year learners should have a choice of 30 subjects at National Qualification Level 3, five of which should be vocational.
To meet the minimum number of subjects that should be available for all learners in both English and Welsh mediums, Powys County Council is toying with the idea of closing Llanfyllin, Llanidloes and Llanfair Caereinion High Schools in favour of a ‘satellite and hub’ approach. One recommendation stated inside the council’s Secondary School Modernisation Strategy document is the creation of two ‘learning hubs’ for pupils aged 11 to 18.
However, the First Minister seems to suggest, while stating he cannot comment on any individual plans due to legal reasons, this is not a plan he would favour.
Instead he spoke about shared provision, video conferencing links between schools and harmonising timetables.
Carwyn Jones said: “Students do not have to travel – there are a number of excellent examples across Wales where authorities have introduced innovative ways of providing services, such as allowing teachers to visit schools rather than moving pupils around, or using ICT and video conferencing facilities to help reduce travel times and allow access to learning at other facilities.”
But why is there a need to change the system at all when examination results show that schools in Powys are currently among the very best in Wales?
“While students in Powys are doing well, education services are not just based on performance,” explained Carwyn.
“We are not asking schools to provide 30 subjects for A Level students but a greater choice for 14-19 learners through a greater range of general and vocational provision. We have provided additional funding to achieve this. Why should students in Powys lose out? They deserve to have the same opportunities and choice as those in other parts of Wales.”
Many residents across Powys fear school closures will rip the heart out of affected communities and proposed closures to sixth forms would result in schools struggling to attract top quality teachers.
“It is imperative that local people should be involved. While Powys appears to be at an early stage in its deliberations I am sure all those with an interest will be consulted in due course,” said Mr Jones.
“If a statutory proposal is published and objections are made, it will come to Welsh Ministers, for determination. At that stage the Welsh Ministers will consider very carefully all the relevant factors and evidence presented – and the interest of learners are of paramount importance.”