Neath Port Talbot: Super-school plan unlawful says High Court

A plan to replace three primary schools with one "super-school" has been ruled unlawful by the High Court.

Sitting in Cardiff, it ruled Neath Port Talbot council had failed to assess the impact on Welsh language schools in the area.

The plans would have seen three English language primary schools in Pontardawe merged into one at Parc Ynysderw.

The Alltwen, Llangiwg and Godre'r Graig schools would have shut to make way for the new 750-pupil site.

Following the High Court ruling, the new school proposal cannot currently go ahead as planned.

Despite the fact that no Welsh language schools were involved in the plans, it was ruled a large new English language school could affect pupil numbers attending local Welsh language schools.

The judgment followed a claim for judicial review brought by Rhieni Dros Addysg Gymraeg (RhAG), an organisation that promotes Welsh-medium education.

RhAG argued the council's decision to open the new school did not comply with the Welsh government's School Organisation Code.

Mr Justice Kerr found the council had misinterpreted the code by not regarding how the local Welsh language schools would be "affected" by the new super-school.

RhAG head Elin Maher said she was "overjoyed" by the High Court's ruling.

"The lack of recognition of the significant threat to Welsh language education in the Pontardawe area as a result of the council's failings forced us to, reluctantly, intervene," she said.

"Especially as the council themselves recognise that the area is one of significant linguistic importance in regard to the Welsh language.

"We hope that local authorities review this judgment carefully and appreciate the importance of undertaking thorough linguistic impact assessments."

Sioned Williams, Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales West, said it was good news to protect and develop the Welsh language and "in terms of underlining the erroneous nature of the consultation that was carried out on the plans to reorganise English-medium schools".

She called for new consultation on alternatives to reorganising schools in the area, and an assurance that the funding will still be available for other possible options.

A council spokesperson said: "The council notes the judgement of the administrative court. Consideration will now be given to its content to determine next steps".