Major Welsh Figures Unite to Save Historic Ysgol Clydau from Closure

In an unprecedented show of support, prominent Welsh entertainers, politicians, and community leaders have joined forces with the residents of Tegryn and the Parish of Clydau to oppose the proposed closure of Ysgol Clydau, a historic rural school that has served the Tegryn community for almost 145 years.

The campaign has gained significant momentum, with endorsements from Welsh celebrities including the Welsh Whisperer, Gareth Wyn Jones, and political backing from MP Ben Lake and Senedd Member Paul Davies. A petition launched by local parent Sarah Farnden has already gathered over 800 signatures in just two weeks, demonstrating overwhelming community support.

About Ysgol Clydau

Ysgol Clydau is a rural primary school in Tegryn, Pembrokeshire, providing Welsh-medium education and serving as a central pillar of community life. The school has maintained high educational standards while preserving local Welsh language and culture, earning praise from Estyn inspectors for its nurturing environment and academic excellence.

Key Developments:

Current enrollment stands at 36-38 pupils, with numbers expected to increase due to planned construction of 30 affordable mixed housing units in the area.

Pembrokeshire County Council's School Modernisation Working Group has recommended statutory consultation on closure following a 34% enrollment drop from 2015 to 2025.

Recent Estyn inspectors praised the school as a "happy, caring and welcoming" institution with exemplary teaching standards.

Local county councillor Iwan Ward emphasized the broader implications: "This just proves the strength of feeling that we have here in north Pembrokeshire, where people are prepared to do everything they can to save Ysgol Clydau from closure. The entire community in and around Tegryn will be affected. Looking at other villages that have lost their primary schools, we see primarily retired residents, as young families choose not to live in communities without schools."

Key Community Concerns:

Educational Excellence: The school provides high-quality, personalised education with proven success in maintaining academic standards while nurturing individual student development. It is a mainstream school has a high level of children with Additional Learning Needs.

Welsh Language Preservation: As a vital centre for Welsh language education, the school plays a crucial role in maintaining cultural heritage and linguistic traditions.

Transportation Challenges: Many families lacking private transport would face significant hardship with children requiring long-distance bus travel to alternative schools.

Community Hub: Beyond education, Ysgol Clydau serves as an essential gathering place for community events and social activities.

Historical Significance: Established in 1880, the school represents 145 years of continuous educational service to the community.

Community Vitality: Evidence from other villages shows that loss of primary schools leads to demographic shifts, with young families avoiding such areas, resulting in predominantly retired populations.

Ysgol Clydau stands as a crucial educational and cultural cornerstone in this Welsh-speaking region. 

Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Support: The school provides "absolutely first class" ALN support that would be compromised in larger institutions.

Risk of Home Schooling: Councillor Ward estimates up to 50% of pupils might switch to home education if the closure proceeds, potentially limiting their exposure to broader educational experiences and social development.

Future Prospects

Despite current challenges, the planned construction of 30 affordable mixed housing units in the area presents a potential increase in enrollment, suggesting the school's closure might be premature. The community argues that maintaining Ysgol Clydau is crucial for attracting and retaining young families in the area.

The community has formally requested that Pembrokeshire County Council reconsider its closure decision and work collaboratively with local stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that protect both educational standards and community interests.