Rural School Faces Closure Due to Declining Enrollment
A primary school in Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, with only two remaining pupils, is slated to close its doors at the end of the current summer term. Ysgol Y Garreg currently has no students in nursery, reception, or years one through five. The two Year Six pupils who remain are scheduled to transition to secondary school in September.
Unanimous Council Decision Cites ‘Seriousness of the Situation’
The cabinet for Cyngor Gwynedd voted unanimously to close Ysgol Y Garreg on August 31st. Council officials stated that the decision was unavoidable due to a significant decline in pupil numbers across the local authority, despite the school’s long-standing presence within the community.
Challenging Decision for Education Leaders
Dewi Jones, a cabinet member for education, described the proposal as one of the most difficult decisions he has encountered. “Nobody goes into education in order to close schools,” Jones commented. “Our ambition is to see schools thriving, children succeeding and communities staying strong.” He acknowledged the school’s century-long service to the area, expressing gratitude to the staff, governors, parents, and the wider community.
However, Jones emphasized the council’s responsibility to address the current realities. “The demographic challenges facing some of our rural communities are real,” he stated. “However painful it is to acknowledge that, we cannot ignore the facts before us, and in the specific position of Ysgol Y Garreg, it is impossible to ignore the seriousness of the situation.”
Prioritizing Child Welfare and Sustainable Education
Jones further explained that educational decisions must center on the welfare of children, ensuring access to sustainable education and learning environments that can effectively meet their needs. “This is not a decision the cabinet wants to make, but it’s a decision that certain circumstances have led us to,” he added.
The councillor highlighted a substantial decrease in the number of children in Gwynedd over the past decade. In 2016, Cyngor Gwynedd schools had approximately 9,000 primary-aged children, a figure that has now fallen to just over 7,800. “That’s a substantial reduction, and in light of that, we can’t just continue as we are. It forces us to have to change things,” Jones elaborated, underscoring the necessity for responsible, long-term planning.
Community Impact and Future Schooling
Councillor June Jones echoed the sentiment, describing the situation as sad and acknowledging the school’s significant role in the community for over a century. Councillor Dilwyn Morgan raised concerns regarding the Welsh language but suggested that larger schools might offer more opportunities for the children to engage with the language.
From September 1st, Ysgol Cefn Coch will serve as the designated alternative school for the Ysgol Y Garreg catchment area.
