A formal consultation period has begun today (November 10) to gather views on re-configuring primary school provision at four Carmarthenshire schools.

The consultation for Ysgol Blaenau, Ysgol Pontiets, Ysgol Carwe and Ysgol Bancffosfelen is part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Modernising Education Programme (MEP).

The six-week consultation period gives parents, teachers, school governors and the wider community the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.

Set out within the MEP Strategy, agreed in November 2024 following a period of public consultation, the proposed schools have been identified under the remodelling exercise, set against the following criteria:

  • Extremely low pupil numbers
  • High surplus of places and high number of pupils living within catchments that are attending other schools
  • Projections suggesting that there is little likelihood of pupil numbers increasing sufficiently
  • Deficit budget or projected deficit budget within the next financial year resulting in unsustainable financial situation
  • Unsustainable renovation costs due to the age of buildings

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Glynog Davies said: “The Modernising Education Programme is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable future for education in Carmarthenshire, ensuring resources are used effectively to support learners across the county.

“These proposals would help respond to the challenges facing schools, including low pupil numbers and financial pressures, while supporting the delivery of high-quality education for all pupils.”

The consultations will close on 22 December 2026.

Responses can be submitted online via the Council’s website, via email to MEPConsultations@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or in writing to:

Mr Owain Lloyd

Director of Education and Leisure,

County Hall,

Castle Hill,

Carmarthen,

SA31 1JP

The Modernising Education Programme Strategy was developed following consultation in order to formulate an investment and school organisation programme in line with Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.