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 incorporating the outcome of the statutory consultation on the proposal to relocate Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi learners to a new school building for 11-18 year olds was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

The Portfolio Member for Education and the Welsh Language presented the report noting that the report focuses on the outcome of the consultation process on the proposal to relocate Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi to a new school building. The Council has a duty under the Schools’ Organisation Code to consult with stakeholders when considering school reorganisation proposals. A consultation process was undertaken between 5 June, 2025 to 17 July, 2025 to relocated Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi to a new site. Consultation was undertaken which included with children and young people, parents and Estyn regarding the proposal to relocate the school to a new site. 

The Director of Education, Skills and Young People reported that there has been challenges as to the condition of Ysgol Uwchradd Caerbyi’s present building due to RACC.  The statutory consultation was undertaken to comply with the guidance.  Other options were also considered for Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi and it was concluded that the relocation of the school was the most appropriate option.  He expressed that regarding school transport issues the proposal complies with Modernising Learning Communities Strategy and active travel routes will be considered.  79% of responders agreed with the proposal to relocate Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi to a new school building for 11–18-year-olds.  He noted that 20% of the comments received by stakeholders considered that the proposed site to relocate the school is too far from the middle of the town, that the current building should be updated or rebuilt on the current site.    The Director of Education, Skills and Young People said that the relocation of Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi to a new building will secure education for pupils in the catchment area of Holyhead and to meet future requirements.  The maintenance costs for the current building have reached £29m, and the building of a new school will result in savings for the Council when the building is transferred to the authority.  He further noted that an impact assessment has been conducted as regarding to equality and the Welsh language.

Councillor Jeff Evans, Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee reported on the discussions held on the item at the Corporate Scrutiny Committee held on 15 October 2025.  He noted that having considered the outcomes of the statutory consultation as regards to the relocation of Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi the committee resolved to recommend to the Executive to accept the recommendations as is outlined in the report.

The Chair referred that over 1,000 responses were received during the consultation process to relocated Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi.  21% of those responders expressed concerns regarding the location of the proposed site, however, Appendix 1 attached to the report provides clear responses to those concerns and the reasons as to the reasons for the relocation of the school. 

Councillor Carwyn Jones considered that there have been sufficient responses to the consultation process regarding the proposal to relocate Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi to a new site.  It was encouraging as to the responses of the Schools’ Councils within the catchment area regarding the proposal and have suggested comments for consideration for the future of the school. 

It was RESOLVED: -

•  To approve the proposal (following the report on the outcome of the

   statutory consultation held on the proposal) to “Relocate  Ysgol

   Uwchradd Caergybi learners to a new school building for 11–18-

    year-olds”.

•  To authorise Officers to publish a statutory notice in respect of the

    proposal.