REGARDLESS of the likely probability that the future provision of secondary education in Haverfordwest is a ‘done deal’ with more than likely clandestine emails/letters/ questions/answers between PCC and the WG, and maybe others, it is deplorable that whilst “The council is committed to securing the views of all stakeholders”

these views are being completely ridden roughshod over.

Pupils, parents, teachers, governing bodies etc. are as one in their wish to have choice with the provision of an 11 to 19 school. It is a choice which is already in existence and which is being taken away!

As already stated above, pupils, parents, teachers, governing bodies etc. are as one in their wish to have choice with the provision of an 11 to 19 school in Haverfordwest.

Originally the preferred option was “a sixth-form centre… under the governance of a local school… co-located with or close to the College”

as commissioned in an independent report.

As Pembrokeshire College already provides A-level study it would be more cost effective and more forward thinking to include sixth form provision in an 11 to 19 school. As expressed by the Joint School Council of TM and STP schools (stakeholders!) the concept of a monopoly by Pembrokeshire College affects “continuity in teaching, disrupts progression from GCSE to A-level study and is a waste of money”.

One of the arguments being used by PCC for their ‘preferred’ option is the “current condition of both school buildings”, (TM and STP), “is poor and will require significant and costly ongoing repair and maintenance”.

An Estyn report in 2012 on the quality of local authority education services concluded amongst other matters… “The authority is responding too slowly to the increasing level of surplus places in the secondary sector.”

One could argue that our council sat back and did nothing in order to push their ‘preferred option’ through consultation. Also Estyn have confirmed that TM is improving across all its inspection recommendations, but does the council’s education department find it convenient to have TM in the Red band (under the WG’s school categorisation assessment) in order to maintain the illusion of a failing, rather than an improving school?

Food for thought.

I would ask that Pembrokeshire County Council please listen to the voice of the school pupils who have consistently made strong arguments in favour of retaining sixth form provision at an 11 to 19 school for the benefit of all concerned but primarily for the pupils themselves.

I would also ask that the council include the previous feedback given by pupils alongside any current feedback for this consultation as a matter of principle and fair play. I quote: “The council is committed to securing the views of all stakeholders and their responses will be included as part of the subsequent consultation report.”

The whole consultation debacle has been flawed and wrought with illegality, costing vital money that could be better utilised in the very education that is purportedly going to be improved! PCC is denying pupils a choice – listen to their collective voice.

PHENIAH PATTERSON

(Staff and Governor at a Tasker Milward feeder school)

Haverfordwest