Stepaside CP School in Pembrokeshire has been saved from closure after councillors supported a proposal from deputy leader Paul Miller to keep it open, overturning a previous decision to shut it as part of an education restructuring programme.
Background of the closure proposal
The school had been identified for closure by Pembrokeshire Council as part of plans to create a new three-to-11 primary school on the Saundersfoot School site, which would have involved shutting existing schools in both Saundersfoot and Stepaside. The proposal was based on surplus places across all schools involved, with Stepaside carrying a surplus capacity of more than 50%, figures that have since been debated.
In March, a full council meeting reaffirmed a December decision authorising the director for education to begin statutory consultation on discontinuing Stepaside and Saundersfoot schools and establishing the new school.
Deputy leader's review and decision
Paul Miller, who assumed cabinet responsibility for education on May 15, conducted a thorough review and put forward a call for the school to remain open. At the July 16 council meeting, he said: "Following a thorough review I have decided to recommend to council that it not proceed with the closure of Stepaside School. I believe the school is providing good educational outcomes for its local population and is sustainable in its current form."
An extensive supporting statement from Miller noted: "I consider that the primary focus of our reorganisation work has been on addressing surplus places. While that focus absolutely aligns with Welsh Government guidance, measuring surplus places tells us simply how many empty classrooms we have. That's an interesting estates and facilities metric but it tells us very little about the educational experience of the children inside those buildings."
He added that there is a size at which a small school becomes unviable, but that is not simply financial but also educational. He also noted potential mitigations such as shared leadership roles or formal federations, and that the planned temporary decant of Tenby VC School (which needs a new roof) may utilise surplus places at Saundersfoot School. He concluded: "I do not believe the available evidence currently demonstrates that closure of Stepaside School represents a necessary or proportionate response to the level of surplus places within the Tenby cluster."
Council debate and unanimous support
During the meeting, Miller emphasised that the Stepaside decision would not affect the recently-approved closures of Manorbier school or Ysgol Clydau. Despite accusations of "a massive U-turn" and "a purely political move," which he described as "completely outrageous," members unanimously supported the motion. Miller acknowledged the process had "been imperfect" but said: "I firmly believe this school has a viable future."
Reaction from the school community
Laura Burnett, chair of governors at Stepaside Community Primary School, said: "The governing body are delighted to share the exciting news that the school will remain open for many years to come. This is a tremendous achievement for the community that is served by the school in Kilgetty."
She added: "The governing body continues to believe that the original proposal to close Stepaside School and transfer all pupils to Saundersfoot was ill-informed. We remain concerned that the school capacity, projected pupil numbers, and budgetary figures used to inform the proposal were outdated and did not provide a reliable basis for decision-making."
Burnett also noted: "The appointment of new cabinet members provided a valuable opportunity for a fresh perspective. We are grateful to councillor Paul Miller, along with the many county councillors, members of parliament, and Senedd members who took the time to visit the school and see first-hand the high-quality education it provides."
Support from former pupil
Welsh professional footballer Liam Cullen, who plays for Swansea and the Welsh national team and is a former pupil, said: "Alongside my brilliant education from all of the staff they also facilitated my aims and dream of making it to where I am today being a footballer. Me and my family couldn't have done it without the help of the school's staff, allowing me to train and play most days whilst keeping on top of my education."
Burnett concluded: "We are delighted that Stepaside School will continue to serve the children and families of our catchment area for many years to come. As we look ahead to September we look forward to welcoming new pupils into our thriving school community."
