Last single-sex state schools in Wales may merge

Pupils, parents and staff are split over proposals to merge the last single-sex state secondary schools in Wales.

There are plans to eventually close Lewis Girls’ School in Pengam, Caerphilly county, and move its pupils to Lewis School Pengam, which is boys-only up to sixth form.

Caerphilly council wants to shut the girls’ school between 2025 and 2027.

Cabinet member for education Carol Andrews said the merger “could deliver significant benefits for our pupils and the wider community”, and the phased approach will minimise the impact on pupils taking exams.

Well-known former pupils of Lewis School include ex-Labour leader Neil Kinnock and former Wales rugby coach and British and Irish Lions captain John Dawes.

A consultation was launched on the future of both schools, and 591 respondents included 282 pupils, 159 parents, and 77 staff members.

School council members at Lewis School Pengam said a discussion on the future of the schools was “overdue”.

Some older pupils shared “neutral” opinions about the merger, but those in younger year groups “were in unanimous support”.

The school council at Lewis Girls’ School was less excited about the proposals.

Its members said the merger “would have a negative impact on the wellbeing of the students of both schools, but in particular for the pupils of Lewis Girls, as they will feel like they do not belong in the school”.

They called for “a large emphasis” on wellbeing and support.

If the plans go ahead, the changes will also have an impact on staffing, and several people raised concerns about job security, integration, and maintaining standards.

The council said it “recognises” the proposal “will naturally raise questions” about future staffing, but stressed no decisions have been made at this point.

The council expects staff at the girls' school “will be accommodated at Lewis School Pengam where possible”, and aim to support staff employment at other schools.

It said there will be “anxiety” around job security, but staff will be supported and unions had already been approached regarding the proposals.

School inspection agency Estyn said the merger was “likely to maintain the standard of education provision” in the area, because current arrangements were “ineffective” and the council will be able to use resources more effectively.

The council’s education committee is due to meet on 3 September to discuss the findings of the consultation.