Agenda item

To submit the report of the Director of Education, Skills and Young People.

The report of the Director of Education, Skills and Young People which sought the Executive’s approval for the proposal to relocate Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi learners to a new school building for 11-18 year old learners and conduct a statutory consultation thereon was presented for consideration.

Councillor Dafydd Roberts, Portfolio Member for Education, Skills and Young People presented the report and he explained that the Council’s Strategic Outline Programme (Sustainable Communities for Learning) which is a rolling nine year plan sets out the schemes identified for capital investment and delivery over the period. However, the widespread presence of RAAC concrete in the Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi school building means the situation needs to be addressed in the short or near term. Following changes in UK guidance in August 2023 on RAAC, extensive remedial work has been undertaken to safeguard the school structure in the medium term, but a long-term solution is required. The proposal paper presents the outcome of work to explore a range of options for the future of Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi  and has been drafted in line with the expectations of the revised School Organisation Code (O11/2018).

Councillor Dafydd Roberts noted that if approved for statutory consultation, the proposal to relocate the school’s learners to a new building could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the school.

The Director of Education, Skills and Young People affirmed that the proposal complies with   the revised School Organisation Code and aligns with the Council’s commitment to improving schools and creating  modern learning environments that support communities and the Welsh language. The proposal involves relocating Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi learners to a new school specifically designed for the 11- 18 age range with capacity for 900 pupils. In developing the proposal the Council considered a number of factors as outlined in the paper with the primary driver being the condition of the current school building - classified as Grade C (operational but in need of major repair or replacement in the short to medium term). The current and projected future maintenance costs for the existing school building amount to nearly £29m. While alternative options for the future of Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi were considered, as detailed in section 6 of the report, relocating the school’s learners to a new purpose built school for 11-18 year olds is considered the most effective solution  to the challenges facing the school. The cost implications are set out in section 7 of the report.

The Director of Education, Skills and Young People described this as an exciting period, presenting an opportunity to establish a modern school that complements and supports contemporary teaching and learning practices, benefiting both staff and pupils. The proposal addresses the challenges regarding the school building’s condition, particularly  RAAC and could lead to long-term savings in repair and maintenance costs over the next 25 years if implemented through the Welsh Government’s Mutual Investment Model. Additionally, it also supports the objectives of the Strategic Outline Plan. Under the revised School Organisation Code, relocating a school to a site more than a mile away from the current site is considered a regulated alteration, necessitating  a statutory process to gather and consider the views of learners and stakeholders before a final decision is made. The Executive is asked to approve the proposal  and authorise officers to initiate the necessary statutory consultation.

Councillor Sonia Williams, Vice-Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee presented the scrutiny committee’s views following its discussion of the proposal paper at its 21 May meeting. She reported that the committee recognised the proposal as an exciting opportunity to establish a modern, safe and fit for purpose secondary school in the Holyhead area while also offering potential  savings on repair and maintenance costs. The committee’s members had sought assurances that the proposal fully complies with the revised School Organisation Code, meets both current and future needs of secondary education in the Holyhead area  and is affordable. After reviewing the proposal paper and receiving satisfactory assurances, the Corporate Scrutiny Committee had resolved to recommend the proposal and necessary statutory consultation process for approval by the Executive.

The Executive’s Members welcomed the proposal suggesting that it would contribute alongside other developments in the area, to the town’s regeneration. They emphasised that while the existing Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi building is structurally safe, it requires significant investment in the long term to resolve the maintenance challenges it faces. Members believed that those resources would be better spent on constructing a brand-new purpose built school – one that offers modern learning facilities, greater outdoor space and enough capacity to meet future demand. The Executive further highlighted that the proposal represents an investment in young people and the wider community, it enhances education and supports the Welsh language strategy. In supporting the proposal,  the Executive sought clarification on the timescale noting that the new school if approved, would not be operational until 2030. The Programme, Planning and Performance Manager explained that as well as the six month statutory consultation process, detailed business cases and plans have to be prepared to  Welsh Government requirements, funding approval secured and the necessary land acquired before any construction work can begin.

The Chief Executive in acknowledging the complexity and length of the process ahead, urged all those with an interest to participate in the consultation and share their  views, expectations and concerns through the council’s formal communication and engagement channels.

Additionally the Executive recognised that other school buildings on the island require upgrades. While current resources do not allow for immediate improvements, these schools have not been forgotten and will receive maintenance over time. However, given the situation at Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi and the presence of RAAC in the school building, its remaining lifespan is limited making it a priority that must be addressed.

It was resolved –

• To approve the proposal to “Relocate Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi learners to a new school building for 11-18 year old learners”, and
• To authorise Officers to undertake the necessary statutory consultation.

At the conclusion of the meeting’s formal business, the Chair expressed his thanks to former Executive member, Councillor Dafydd Rhys Thomas for his contribution to the Executive’s work. This recognition followed his appointment as Vice-Chair of the Isle of Anglesey County Council at Tuesday’s Full Council meeting.