Future of two rural schools under review

Future of two rural schools under review

Conwy’s Education Service seeks permission to consult on the future of two primary schools.

In the coming weeks, members of the Education and Skills Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet will consider reports about the future of Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan and Ysgol Betws y Coed.

Under the Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code there is a procedure to follow when considering the future of rural schools, and this starts with a formal consultation.

Pupil numbers at both schools have been gradually reducing over the past 6 years and are predicted to remain at the current level for the next 5 years.

Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan has the capacity to accommodate 40 pupils and currently has 14 registered pupils*.

Ysgol Betws y Coed has the capacity to accommodate 100 pupils and currently has 14 registered pupils*.

Importantly, the Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code also includes a presumption against closure and requires the Council to demonstrate strong justification, having considered all viable alternatives.

If given the green light, the consultations are expected to start in the next month or so, and responses will be presented to councillors for consideration next year.

Cllr Aaron Wynne, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This consultation is a necessary step to ensure that the views of the school community are sought. It will ensure that there is a transparent process by which communities can share their views.”

Notes:

*Welsh Government Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC) collection of data (January 2025).

Both Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan and Ysgol Betws y Coed are designated as rural schools under the Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code, and any proposal for closure must follow specific procedures. These include a presumption against closure and a requirement for Conwy County Borough Council to demonstrate strong justification, having conscientiously considered all viable alternatives.

The reports and links to watch the livestream of the meetings are available at:

Conwy Local Democracy : Agenda for Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 5.00 pm

Conwy Local Democracy : Agenda for Cabinet on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, 2.00 pm