A feasibility study will be held to look into possibility of developing post-16 provision in Ceredigion.
During a Cabinet meeting held on 07 November 2023, Cabinet Members instructed Schools and Lifelong Learning Services to undertake a detailed feasibility study to look at different options to ensure the future sustainability of post-16 education provision in the county.
In 2022, surveys were sent to key groups, namely learners, parents, carers, teachers and employers, and a total of 1,306 responses were received from these individuals. Interviews were also held with representatives from educational providers, the local authority and other partners.
Four options were considered by the Cabinet Members for the future of the provision, which include:
- Option 1: Maintain the current situation
- Option 2: Develop the current post-16 situation – the post-16 provision would continue at the existing six sites
- Option 3: Provision in some schools – this would mean closing the post-16 provision at one or more sites.
- Option 4: One Centre of Excellence – establishing a Centre of Excellence, involving a range of partners, at one or more suitable geographical sites
The Cabinet Members also considered the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Learning Communities Committee, and the Cabinet concluded that the feasibility study should focus, in the first instance, on options 2 and 4.
Councillor Wyn Thomas, Cabinet Member for Schools and Lifelong Learning, 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.”
07/11/2023