Powys Council Votes Unanimously to Close Smallest Primary School

Powys County Council's Liberal Democrat/Labour cabinet unanimously voted to close Ysgol Bro Cynllaith, the smallest primary school in the county with just 25 pupils, effective August 31. This decision follows the final stage of the closure process after considering 20 objections to the proposal. Pupils are expected to transfer to Ysgol Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, approximately six miles away, but there are concerns that some families might instead send their children to schools in nearby Oswestry, Shropshire, which is closer. Council members acknowledged the difficulty and unpopularity of closing rural schools but emphasized that such small schools cannot sustainably offer a comprehensive education. Critics also highlighted the lack of cabinet presence at key meetings and the perception that the council shows little interest in the northern Powys communities. Despite these concerns, the council maintained that moving pupils at the end of the summer term allows them to start fresh at new schools in the new academic year.