Council says team already helping special measures school

A team of senior education officers is already working with Llanidloes High School after inspectors placed the school in special measures following a recent inspection.

Powys County Council confirmed that support has been put in place immediately after Estyn concluded the school required the highest level of monitoring.

Inspectors visited the school in February and found it had made insufficient progress against recommendations from its previous core inspection. The findings have been accepted by both the school and the council.

The council says work is now underway between officers, school leaders and governors to understand the causes behind the inspection outcome and to put in place a detailed action plan aimed at driving improvement.

Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said the situation was “deeply disappointing” but stressed that action had already begun.

“The Estyn report offers a clear and honest assessment of where urgent improvement is needed – particularly around leadership, the quality of teaching, skills development and attendance,” he said.

“These challenges are significant, but they are also surmountable. We are committed to working side by side with the school to address these issues at pace.”

The council added that staff, pupils and parents will be supported throughout the improvement process.

Clare Bound, Chair of the Llanidloes Schools’ Federation, said the school accepted the findings and was focused on moving forward.

“While we are disappointed by the content of the report, we accept its findings and see this as an important opportunity to reset and strengthen the school’s direction,” she said.

“The governing body, senior leadership team and staff are committed to working tirelessly alongside the council and Estyn to ensure rapid and sustained improvements across the school.”

As part of the special measures process, an action plan will be submitted to Estyn for review. Inspectors are expected to return within four to six months to monitor progress.