The Diocese of St Davids has warmly welcomed a recommendation to Pembrokeshire County Council from its own officers, that would see Ysgol Cilgerran retain its Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled (VC) status, following months of uncertainty over the school's future.

A report to be considered by Full Council on Thursday, October 15 recommends that the authority does not proceed with its proposal to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales VC School and establish it as a 3–11 Community School.

The recommendation represents a significant and positive development for the school, its pupils, staff, governors and the wider community, who have demonstrated overwhelming support for retaining its Church in Wales identity.

During the consultation process, 97 per cent of parents surveyed expressed support for retaining the school's Church in Wales status, highlighting the strength of local feeling and the value placed on the school's Christian ethos, Welsh-language provision and longstanding relationship with the Church and wider community.

The Diocese welcomes the openness and transparency reflected in the latest recommendation and recognises the value of constructive engagement between the local authority, the Church in Wales and the school community in seeking a positive way forward.

Chief Executive and Diocesan Secretary Iwan Thomas said:

"We warmly welcome this officer recommendation, which represents a significant and positive step towards securing the future of Ysgol Cilgerran as a Church in Wales school. The overwhelming support shown by parents and the wider community demonstrates just how much the school's identity, ethos and place within the community are valued.

"The widespread support mobilised through the Diocese, including from community members, local and national politicians, faith organisations, and educational leaders, has echoed the wishes of the majority of parents: to safeguard a school culture that is delivering positive outcomes and remains their preferred choice.

"We also welcome the transparency and constructive engagement that have helped bring us to this point. We now urge councillors to support the recommendation, bringing an end to the uncertainty faced by pupils and their families, and allowing everyone to focus on providing the very best education for the children of Cilgerran."

The recommendation acknowledges the importance of avoiding a prolonged period of uncertainty for pupils and their families, particularly given the potential for legal proceedings and an uncertain outcome should the original proposal be pursued.

The Diocese is now urging all members of Pembrokeshire County Council to support the recommendation when it comes before Full Council on Thursday, 15 October. Endorsing the recommendation would provide much-needed certainty for pupils, parents and staff, recognise the overwhelming wishes of the local community and allow the school to move forward with confidence while retaining its valued Church in Wales identity.

The Diocese remains committed to working positively with Pembrokeshire County Council and other education partners to support the long-term sustainability of local schools, protect parental choice and recognise the contribution of Church in Wales education to communities across Pembrokeshire.

The Diocese hopes that the recommendation will be supported when Pembrokeshire County Council meets in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Haverfordwest, at 10am on Thursday, October 15.