“Very disappointed” over decision to close Castle Caereinion Church in Wales School

The Diocese of St Asaph has expressed its disappointment at today’s (23 November) decision by Powys County Council Cabinet to proceed with the closure of Castle Caereinion Church in Wales Primary School.

The decision by cabinet members will see the school close from 31 August 2022.

In a statement, the interim Director of Education for the Diocese of St Asaph, Heather Loveridge, said: “We are very disappointed that Powys County Council Cabinet has taken the decision to proceed with the closure of Castle Caereinion Church in Wales Primary School from the 31 August 2022.

“Whilst this is a small rural school, it serves a remote community and pupils will now be forced to travel greater distances to school. Pupils may also struggle to participate in extra-curricular activities because of the greater distances from home and reliance on the availability of parental transport. All this at a time when stability and well-being is critical in children’s lives.

“In addition, the decision will mean a dilution of Church in Wales provision in this area of Powys and parents should have absolute clarity regarding eligibility for free school transport to their nearest Church in Wales school.”

Earlier today, Acting Headteacher of Castle Caereinion Church in Wales Primary School, Angela Jones, informed parents of the decision. She assured them that it remains “business as usual” for the school and children will continue to receive “the best education whilst making sure that their well-being is at the forefront.”

The Diocese of St Asaph looks after 51 Church in Wales Schools, including one shared faith Secondary School. Church schools are committed to celebrating the rich heritage of faith, language and culture in Wales and provide a natural point of community focus, supported by a network of clergy and churches across Wales.

The Diocese of St Asaph is one of the six dioceses of the Church in Wales, an independent Province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.