RCT Cabinet has given final consideration to the proposed school organisation changes in Tonyrefail and Trallwn, following consultation on the respective proposals. Having considered all of the information presented by officers, Members have decided not to proceed with the proposals.
Two separate reports were discussed at the Cabinet meeting on Monday, December 16. They related to the respective proposals to close Tref-Y-Rhyg Primary School in Tonyrefail (with pupils transferring to Tonyrefail Community School, by September 2025) and to close Trallwng Infants’ School (with pupils transferring to Coedpenmaen Primary School, by September 2025).
Monday’s reports to Cabinet outlined the feedback received for each proposal, during the respective consultations that were held between September 30 and November 15. They included Governing Body and staff meetings, face-to-face School Council meetings, and public ‘drop-in’ sessions that were held locally.
The engagement activity and feedback were summarised within detailed Consultation Reports for the respective proposal. These were fully-considered by Cabinet to inform their final decision making on Monday. During the meeting, the Cabinet Member for Education proposed a recommendation not to proceed with the proposals, which was agreed by all Cabinet Members.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in our recent consultations for the proposed school organisation changes in Tonyrefail and Trallwn respectively. The feedback that has been received has helped us further understand local perspectives and issues in relation to the proposed changes. We know that considering education changes like these are very difficult and emotive processes, and we will always listen to people’s views as a key consideration in our decision making.
“These proposals were brought forward as we continue to face very difficult decisions, under the backdrop of the public sector experiencing a sustained period of real-term funding reductions. Factors like the cost of living also bring increased pressures across key frontline services that we need to prioritise.
“The proposals to close Tref-Y-Rhyg Primary School and Trallwng Infants’ School were put forward with clear rationale, based around consistently falling pupil numbers and ensuring financial sustainability – however, the proposals never questioned the quality of teaching at each school. It is clear that both schools are very well thought of by residents, and that people speak about them with a passion – driven by putting the well-being of pupils and staff first.
“Having viewed and considered all feedback presented in each Consultation Report, and the themes that have emerged, the view of Cabinet now differs slightly from the original rationale upon which the proposals were brought forward. Members agreed to conclude the proposals, and to not proceed with the school organisation changes for Tonyrefail and Trallwn at this time.”
The Consultation Reports contained details of the feedback received. In relation to the Tonyrefail proposal (Tref-y-Rhyg Primary), 98 responses were provided, of which 86 disagreed with the changes. Also, 714 signatures were added to an online petition opposing this proposal. For the Trallwn proposal (Trallwng Infants’), 160 responses were received – of which 136 disagreed with the changes, along with a 1,150-signature petition opposing the proposal.
The reports included Estyn’s formal response. Estyn considered it likely that the changes would at least maintain the standard of education provided.
