Independent Review to Follow Controversial Manorbier School Closure

The process surrounding the closure of Manorbier Church in Wales VC School is set to be reviewed following concerns raised by local councillor Phil Kidney.

The school was severely damaged by a fire in October 2022, with pupils subsequently taught from a temporary ‘school from school’ at Jameston Village Hall.

Despite hopes that the school would eventually be rebuilt, councillors backed proposals to discontinue the school, with declining pupil numbers and the cost of rebuilding among the reasons given. The final decision to close the school was approved in June.

Cllr Kidney has since called for a full impartial investigation into the closure process, raising concerns over the length of time involved, what he described as “broken promises,” insurance arrangements and the involvement of the council’s HR department.

In his supporting statement, Cllr Kidney said: “A full impartial review should hopefully stop another school being treated so appallingly.”

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet was recommended to support the principle of reviewing the process, although not through the external investigation requested by Cllr Kidney. Instead, two independent audits are proposed to be carried out through the council’s internal audit team.

Photo Credit: Tenby Observer