IT would seem that the secondary section (11-16) of the new bilingual school is being built to accommodate 600 pupils.

In the first year there will be only approximately 100 pupils, an increase of approximately 40 more than in the last year of the primary phase, always assuming this increase will materialise.

So in the first year there will be a surplus of 500 places and it will be five years before the secondary section will be full.

In normal circumstances this secondary section would be deemed to be too small to provide the full range of educational subjects and most certainly in the first year, with only an additional four teachers, this would be almost certain.

Firstly, does this mean Welsh medium schools are exempt from the usual measures and criteria rigorously applied to English medium schools?

Secondly, does this mean the new school will be more generously staffed?

Thirdly, does this mean educational opportunities will be limited?

Fourthly, how many classes will there be in each year group?

Fifthly, what will be the pupil/ teacher ratio?

Sixthly, how will the school be structured if the pupil numbers do not reach the planned level?

Seventhly, can we be assured these plans will not adversely affect the fine reputation of the Preseli school?

Presumably, these will be some of the questions parents and county councillors will be posing to the cabinet member and education officers.

JOHN COLE

Milford Haven