Teachers strike over sixth form

There has been strong opposition to the sixth forms closing

More than 40 teachers at Rhyl High School are on a one-day strike over plans to close the town's sixth forms.

NASUWT members are unhappy about proposals for Rhyl High and Blessed Edward Jones School in Denbighshire.

Education Minister Jane Hutt has said she intends approving plans to transfer all post-16 education to a new site linked to Llandrillo College.

The council said "radical changes" are needed, and the new site will prepare young people for future success.

Rhyl High School will be closed to all but years 11, 12, and 13 on Thursday.

The union said 43 of the 68.5 teachers' post (some of which are part-time) at the comprehensive are its members.

They are closing the two sixth forms in the town and handing the control of post 16 education to Llandrillo college

Rex Phillips, NASUWT

In all, there are 1,117 pupils at the school, but it is not known how many will be affected by the industrial action.

The move to close Rhyl's sixth forms and open a single institution follows a report carried out by education consultants which identified that the best option was to "give ownership" to Llandrillo College in Conwy.

Rex Phillips, Wales organiser of the NASUWT, said the union was worried the changes would remove pupil choice, and put jobs at risk.

He said: "They are closing the two sixth forms in the town and handing the control of post-16 education to Llandrillo college.

"This will limit choices in Rhyl for both parents and pupils."

Partnership

Blessed Edward is also affected under the proposals and its head teacher has already voiced her opposition to the prospect of ending post-16 faith based education in the town.

Mr Phillips said the NASUWT argues that both schools should retain their sixth forms, and work in partnership with Llandrillo College instead.

A ballot is also taking place with union members at Blessed Edward.

Denbighshire council leader Hugh Evans, who is also the cabinet lead member for lifelong learning, said: "Whilst we are naturally disappointed at the decision for industrial action, the council will continue to meet with unions to discuss how we can all work together.

"There has been widespread recognition of the need for radical changes in sixth form education in Rhyl.

"The Rhyl sixth development will demonstrate a clear commitment to traditional sixth form college academic standards and prepare young people for future success in education and the world of employment.

"Denbighshire remains committed to pursuing the partnership arrangements with Llandrillo College, which will have tremendous benefits for the provision of sixth form education to students in Rhyl.

"Llandrillo College is an outstanding college and we look forward to seeing these plans come to fruition".