A feasibility study will be held to look into the possibility of developing post-16 education provision in Ceredigion, which could lead to the loss of school sixth forms.

A total of six schools across the county – including Cardigan Secondary School and Ysgol Bro Teifi in Llandysul – are in potential danger of having their sixth forms axed after Ceredigion County Council claimed Welsh government funding is currently ‘not sufficient’ to maintain the status quo.

This is largely the result of a sharp decline in the number of students who choose to return to secondary school education following their GCSEs, with the cost of continuing to run the courses in the current financial year escalating.

During the November Ceredigion County Council Cabinet meeting, members instructed Schools and Lifelong Learning Services to undertake a detailed feasibility study to look at different options for post-16 education provision in the county. 

Four options were considered by the Cabinet Members for the future of the provision.

  • Maintain the current situation.
  • Develop the current post-16 situation – the post-16 provision would continue at the existing six sites.
  • Provision in some schools – this would mean closing the post-16 provision at one or more sites.
  • One Centre of Excellence – establishing a Centre of Excellence, involving a range of partners, at one or more suitable geographical sites.

Cabinet Members also considered the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Learning Communities Committee, and concluded that the feasibility study should focus, in the first instance, on options two and four.

Cabinet Member for Schools and Lifelong Learning Councillor Wyn Thomas said: “The aim of this review is to look at ways to maintain and develop the exceptional standard of education offered to pupils in Ceredigion.

“In addition to this, provide opportunities for pupils to have access to a wide range of subjects, including vocational subjects, delivered by exceptional dedicated teachers. We want to ensure that our young people are able to take full advantage and achieve their true potential as they continue their post-16 studies.”

The schools that are in danger of potentially losing their sixth forms are Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron, Ysgol Bro Pedr (Lampeter,) Penglais School (Aberystwyth), Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig (Aberystwyth), Ysgol Bro Teifi (Llandysul) and Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, Cardigan.

The Cabinet decision is subject to the council’s call-in processes.