Teachers at Lewis School in Wales protested a council decision to merge the last two single-sex council-run schools in the region. The proposal involves shutting down Lewis Girls School in Ystrad Mynach and transitioning Lewis School Pengam from single-sex to co-education starting September 2025. Caerphilly County Borough Council, the last council in Wales to manage single-sex comprehensive schools, approved the merger plan, prompting teachers to walk out in protest.
The striking members of the Nasuwt Cymru raised concerns about potential job cuts and increased workload resulting from the merger. They expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of proper consultation regarding the decision. The council, on the other hand, stated that a special board had been set up in 2019 to develop recommendations for changes related to post-16 education, single-sex schools, and surplus places. Following a formal process, the cabinet considered objections and decided to proceed with the merger.
Lewis Girls School and Lewis School Pengam serve the same catchment areas, and the excess capacity in both schools was a significant factor in the council’s decision to merge them. Cllr Carol Andrews, the CCBC cabinet member for education, highlighted the benefits this move would bring to pupils and staff and emphasised the importance of engaging key stakeholders throughout the decision-making process. The council plans to ensure a smooth transition for all involved parties.
Despite the council’s assurances, the Nasuwt union remains unconvinced about the merger’s impact on teachers’ workload, working conditions, and job security. NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach criticised the lack of clarity concerning potential job losses and changes to working conditions. The union representatives stressed that the closure of Lewis Girls School must be handled fairly to avoid any detrimental effects on the school community.
The union representatives, including NASUWT National Official Wales Neil Butler, demanded more transparency and guarantees for their members. They argued that the current approach taken by the local authority did not adequately address the concerns raised by teachers. The unresolved issues surrounding job security and working conditions have led to an escalation of the dispute between the union and the council.
As the council prepares to publish a formal decision letter explaining the rationale behind the merger based on the School Organisation Code 2018, tensions remain high between the teachers and the local authority. The uncertainty surrounding the future of staff members at Lewis School Pengam continues to fuel the protest by the Nasuwt union. The ongoing standoff underscores the challenges and complexities involved in merging educational institutions and the importance of addressing teachers’ concerns to ensure a smooth transition process.
In light of the teachers’ walkout and the ensuing discord between the union and the council, the fate of the merged school remains uncertain. The clash of interests and the unresolved issues surrounding job security and work conditions highlight the need for greater transparency and collaboration in decision-making processes related to educational reforms. The outcome of this merger will significantly impact the students, staff, and parents involved, underscoring the importance of addressing all stakeholders’ concerns to ensure a positive transition for all parties.