Mountain Ash Sixth Form Faces Closure with Students to Be Moved to Aberdare
In a recent development, the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School is facing closure, with students potentially being relocated to Aberdare. The proposal, set to be discussed by the council’s cabinet on November 20th, suggests that Rhondda Cynon Taf Council will initiate a consultation process regarding the closure of the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School. If approved, the closure would take place no later than September 2026, with no new year 12 sixth form pupils being admitted in September 2025.
The decision follows concerns about the declining number of students in the sixth form and the sustainability of the current provision. The report highlighted that the delivery of post-16 education was inefficient, with limited curriculum choices and small class sizes. This has led to funds being directed towards additional staff and infrastructure instead of enhancing the students’ educational experience.
Over the years, the sixth form student numbers at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School have dwindled, from over 140 in 2015/2016 to just 72 in October 2024. The report also pointed out that a significant percentage of students travel to other schools within the Cynon Valley for certain lessons, indicating a lack of engagement with the current offer at Mountain Ash. This has resulted in a low transition rate from Year 11 to Year 12, with only 16% of students choosing to continue at the school for sixth form.
Aberdare Community School has been identified as a suitable alternative, with sufficient capacity to accommodate Mountain Ash’s sixth form pupils. The proposal suggests that students could also opt to attend other schools or Coleg y Cymoedd for their post-16 education. The report estimates that the closure of the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School would have a positive impact on the budgetary positions of both schools.
Furthermore, the report reassures that students living in Mountain Ash Comprehensive’s catchment area would be entitled to free transport to Aberdare Community School. The potential closure of the sixth form is seen as a measure to ensure a more sustainable and efficient post-16 education provision in the region. The council aims to redirect resources towards enhancing the overall learning experience for students.
In conclusion, the proposal to close the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and transfer students to Aberdare reflects a strategic move to address the challenges faced by the current provision. By consolidating resources and leveraging the capacity of Aberdare Community School, the council seeks to ensure a more robust and engaging post-16 educational experience for students in the region. The decision aligns with the broader objective of optimizing resources and enhancing educational outcomes for all students involved.