A 3-16 Welsh medium school will be established in Haverfordwest, after Pembrokeshire County Council gave it the go ahead at an extraordinary general meeting today (Thursday).

Councillors discussed The Director for Children and Schools, Kate Evan-Hughes’, report, produced following a statutory consultation on plans to close Ysgol Gymraeg Glan Cleddau in Haverfordwest, which is full to capacity, and create a new 3-16 Welsh medium school in the town. Post-16 Welsh medium provision would be provided at Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych.

That consultation took place between September and November last year and the director said there is “overwhelming support” for the proposal, which she sees as “essential in addressing a growing demand for Welsh medium education” in Pembrokeshire.

The plans are also said to offer a practical alternative to Ysgol y Preseli, which at present is the county’s only secondary provider of Welsh medium education.

“The commitment required to travel to Ysgol y Preseli on a daily basis is perceived as a barrier,” said the director.

Among the public’s comments in the consultation were: “I know of numerous children who didn’t continue with Welsh education because of the long trip to Crymych.”

Another respondent said: “Haverfordwest has needed this school for so long. I am so pleased it is finally being considered. My boys both go to Preseli and find the journey very long. I hope this school gets approved as tiredness from travelling does affect concentration on studies.”

The greatest level of concern during the consultation was about the absence of post-16 provision at the new 3-16 school. The director said evidence of demand does not demonstrate that a sixth form would be of a size likely to be successful or sustainable.

One person said: “We want Welsh medium education in Haverfordwest with a sixth form too. Nobody will want to travel up to Ysgol y Preseli for years 12 and 13.”

Another comment said: “We must keep post-16 education in Haverfordwest because we need to develop and nurture the idea of a Welsh community in Haverfordwest.”

Other concerns related to the proposed admissions arrangements for the new 3-16 school. It is planned that admission be undertaken incrementally, starting with year 7 pupils only, followed by years 7 and 8 etc. Some parents said they would have children in two separate schools, e.g. the new school and Ysgol y Preseli. While the director acknowledged that this is not an ideal situation, she said: “it would be equally inconvenient to the schools in not being able to plan their provision.”

The recommendation made to members is to proceed with the establishment of a new 3-16 Welsh medium school in Haverfordwest. In the meantime officers will continue to work towards identifying an appropriate site for it.