WILLIAM GRAHAM – MERTHYR 6^TH FORM DECISION  

IGNORES WISHES OF GOVERNORS, TEACHERS & PARENTS 

31.03.2011 

William Graham (Conservative AM for South Wales East) responding to the news that Education Minister Leighton Andrews has approved plans to close the sixth forms at secondary schools in Merthyr. 

“This decision by the Minister, against the wishes of governors, teachers and parents will mean that 6^th forms at  Cyfartha, Afon Taf, Pen y Dre and Bishop Hedley schools will close in 2013”. 

“Conservative understand the requirement for the parents and governors to have greater input into the future of their children’s schools; directly funding schools and giving more powers to governors, parents and teachers is a manifesto pledge for the 2011 Assembly elections”. 

“It is still not clear if 6^th form colleges provide the level of individual pupil support and pastoral care which are an integral feature of 6^th form in secondary schools”.