Two primary schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) could face closure and see pupils relocated to new schools as part of council plans. The schools in question are Tref-Y-Rhyg Primary School in Tonyrefail and Trallwng Infants School in Pontypridd. The proposed move stems from a decline in pupil numbers and an expected surplus of places at the schools, affecting their financial sustainability and the overall student experience. If the plans proceed, pupils from Tref-Y-Rhyg Primary School would transition to Tonyrefail Community School by September 2025, with an extension to the school’s catchment area. Tref-Y-Rhyg Primary is currently operating below capacity, with just 82 pupils out of a possible 157, resulting in almost 48% surplus places. Projections indicate a further decline to 54 pupils by 2028-29, equating to 65.6% surplus places.
The school building, dating back to around 1899, requires significant repairs with a maintenance backlog of £381,040. Additionally, the outdoor areas do not support outdoor learning, and the facility falls short of accessibility standards outlined in the Equality Act 2010. Despite being rated as adequate in performance, the school’s future is at risk due to low housing development in the area, which indicates continued low demand for school places. In contrast, Tonyrefail Community School, which would accommodate Tref-Y-Rhyg Primary pupils, underwent a substantial £44m investment in 2020, offering modern facilities and a capacity increase to accommodate additional students by 2028-29.
In a separate proposal, Trallwng Infants’ School faces closure, with pupils set to transfer to Coedpenmaen Primary School by September 2025. Trallwng Infants’ present a similar situation of declining pupil numbers and capacity issues, with only 50 pupils enrolled out of a potential 105. The facility requires maintenance to meet current standards, with estimated costs of £227,760. Coedpenmaen Primary School, which serves as the natural progression for Trallwng Infants’ pupils, operates below capacity, projecting surplus places by 2028-29.
Both proposals aim to streamline school resources and enhance educational provisions for students. The council assures that safe walking routes exist between the affected schools, with no entitlement to free home-to-school transport within a 1.5-mile radius for pupils. The plans also consider the provision of Welsh language education within the communities. The fate of the vacated school sites remains undecided pending the council’s cabinet review scheduled for September 23. Should the proposals advance, a consultation process will commence to gather feedback and insights from stakeholders.