IT is a precarious time for education in Pembrokeshire.

The consultation process regarding plans to close school sixth forms at Ysgol Dewi Sant, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Sir Thomas Picton (STP) and Tasker Milward is of course well underway – with proposals to implement a new post-16 education centre at Pembrokeshire College for those pupils affected.

Alas, those familiar with our local authorities will be all too aware that the word ‘consultation’ often equates to being seen to listen to the justifiable concerns of the general public - before ignoring such irrelevant views and ploughing on regardless.

I was present on the morning that Ysgol Dewi Sant pupils, parents and supporters protested outside County Hall when the original proposals to close the school completely were set to be discussed. Such action seemingly triggered a dramatic reversal from Jamie Adams and co – and revised plans were immediately drawn up to allow the school to at least keep education alive for 11 to 16-year olds.

Some saw it as a sensational triumph for democracy. Cynics saw it as a plan the council hierarchy had in place along, so they were at least being seen to listen and liaise with the public.

Sadly, the remarkable speed at which this ‘back up’ plan was put in place, leaves me inclined to side with the latter.

Of course, should the current proposals be implemented – the effect on students and our local communities will prove detrimental on so many fronts.

But for this article, and I appreciate this is merely one of many potential issues, I will focus on my grave concerns for youth sport in Pembrokeshire.

Sixth form sport should be integral for any youngster looking to eventually progress in their chosen activity at senior level.

For some, it is the first opportunity to compete against those of a different age (albeit by one school year) and maturity. For others, depending on the sport, it is the first time they will experience a full set of rules and strict officiating.

As a result – it readies individuals and teams both mentally and physically for the inevitable step-up into the more cut throat world of adult sport. It teaches them qualities they can take into their latter careers, be it inside or outside of Pembrokeshire.

Should these proposals be put in place, for many students, such sporting experiences will evaporate quickly.

For pupils aged 16 to 18 from Fishguard or St Davids, weekly travel time will increase immensely.

This factor, combined with the obvious time needed for focusing on coursework and studying for AS and A Level examinations, will leave considerably less time for training sessions and sporting events.

But it is not just youngsters from the two afore mentioned areas who will suffer.

The addition of the STP and Tasker Milward based sixth forms will essentially merge four into one. In terms of sports teams, there will be astronomical numbers competing for limited places.

Of course, there is the argument that such a set-up will help the sixth form centre produce elite sports teams, with enough numbers and talent available to compete in national schools leagues and events.

It is not the elite that concern me. It’s the ones that will get left behind.

Speak all you like about second and third teams, extra facilities and participation for all – but accommodating every sport-loving pupil will be nigh on impossible.

Furthermore, it’s imperative to remember that the vast majority of 16-year-olds are still, at that age, maturing and growing in confidence.

Many would have spent the previous five years building links and friendships through school sport. Those with enough confidence and sporting pedigree may have no qualms about suddenly mixing with unfamiliar faces – but those timid or nervous about the prospect, will be lost in the reshuffle.

And lest we forget the implications for sixth forms in the remainder of our Pembrokeshire schools. Their PE teachers will face the prospect of losing annual home and away fixtures against a minimum of three other schools – resulting in considerably less match time for their senior hockey, football, netball, football and rugby teams, to name but a few.

And a reduction in fixtures, can ultimately lead to a reduction in interest among those pupils concerned.

However, it is not just school sport that will suffer – with the impact certain to filter into local clubs and activity groups.

In Pembrokeshire, we are heavily reliant on close-knit communities that incorporate strong links between local clubs and schools, to keep sport moving forward.

We are now at risk of such links being lost, especially in the areas surrounding the four schools set to be directly affected by this proposed merger. And when a student is not playing regular sport in school, there is every chance he or she will lose the motivation to do so outside of the educational environment as well.

To an extent, clubs in Haverfordwest may benefit – as those from other communities who do manager to further their sporting ambitions at the College, may choose to play their club, as well as their school sport, in the area.

If this were to be the case, then the potential impact on smaller clubs and organisations in other areas doesn’t bear thinking about.

One of the saddest yet most ironic things of all, is that should the council eventually press ahead with their proposals, they will undo a lot of the good work of their own organisation.

Sport Pembrokeshire, through its 5x60 programme especially, has worked wonders in increasing participation and enjoyment levels amongst local pupils – while the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Ambassador schemes have allowed senior students to take a lead in promoting sport and encouraging those around them.

Without four of Pembrokeshire’s current sixth forms, a downsized ambassador project would carry far less weight and significance.

But perhaps the most significant point was inadvertently made by former South African rugby international Thinus Delport, who last month visited Milford Haven Secondary School as part of the Sky Sports ‘Living for Sport’ programme.

During his visit, he spoke of his surprise at the vast difference in school sport in the UK when compared to his native country.

He argued that we needed to place more emphasis on the prestige of representing senior (sixth form) school sides, and arrange matches and events in a way that guaranteed support from parents and fellow pupils alike.

He said doing so would increase standards in local schools and provide bigger incentives for students to represent their senior sides with pride and determination.

If, or as I sadly suspect, when, our local authorities implement their new educational plans – then for four Pembrokeshire schools at least, the opportunity to do just that will be lost forever.