Final stages in process to shut two Gwynedd schools

The final stages in a process to close two Gwynedd primary schools were confirmed during a council meeting in Caernarfon.

With a “heavy heart” Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet agreed to confirm, finally, proposals issued through statutory notices, to close Ysgol Baladeulyn and Ysgol Nebo, on December 31, 2026.

Ysgol Baladeulyn pupils will move to Ysgol Talysarn with Ysgol Nebo learners relocating to Ysgol Llanllyfni, both from January 1, 2027, onwards.

The council’s leader Cllr Nia Jeffreys said both decisions had been “very difficult” and had been considered “with a heavy heart”.

Cabinet member for education, Cllr Dewi Jones, said the decision to close schools was a “lengthy process” and at times “painful”.

The Cabinet agreed to accept an objection report, the summary of statutory objections, at the meeting on Tuesday, September 15.

Both schools had been victim to falling pupil numbers, in January, 2026, there were 12 pupils at Ysgol Nebo, whilst at Ysgol Baladeulyn, just eight.

The average cost per pupil at Ysgol Nebo, for 2026-27 financial year was £16,066 and at Ysgol Baladeulyn, £25,123 – compared with a county average of £5,998, a report said.

Plans to close the schools had prompted strong reactions from the Nantlle and Nebo communities.

Pupils, parents, teachers, school governors, councillors and communities had fought to save the schools, promoting alternative uses such as school federalisation or Alternative Learning Needs centres and highlighting the impact on the Welsh language.

A total of 70 written responses was received over Ysgol Nebo, whilst there were 30 responses for Ysgol Baladeulyn, and a 500 signature petition was also raised.

Cllr Dewi Jones acknowledged that rural schools were “much more than buildings” and were “part of the fabric of communities and part of the memories of local families, often going back centuries.”

The proposal to close had not come about due to any shortcomings in the quality of education at either school but due to demographics.

“Across Gwynedd there have been 1000 fewer pupils of primary school age than 10 years ago.”

The situation was “not unique,” the trend was being seen “across the county, nationally and internationally with birth rates in decline,” he added.

Speaking as the local member and a governing body member of Ysgol Nebo Cllr Dafydd Davies said he “understood the reasons”.

“Numbers are low, costs per pupil high, and the council is facing financial pressures…

“We have a small school that works well for the children, and for some children this is a more personal and nurturing environment.

“I still believe the proposal of the governing body deserves to have a chance, not to keep the school as it is but to build on what Nebo is doing well, to nurture children who need more attention so they can thrive in education. We know there is a huge pressure on ALN services.”

“Maybe the proposal wouldn’t have worked, I can’t say, but I think it merited a chance, once the school closes we will never know.”

He added the process has been “really difficult” for the community and the governors, and staff, and thanked and praised those involved in efforts to save the school.

Concerning Ysgol Baladeulyn, local member Cllr Peter Thomas said Ysgol Baladeulyn was “more than just a school building”.

“It’s an integral part of the Nantlle community,” and was an “important centre for the village families and nearby communities” which “helps maintain the Welsh language in the area”.

“A petition signed by over 500 people called to keep Ysgol Baladeulyn open, it clearly shows the strength of feeling and how important the school is to the people in Nantlle and locally.

“The voice of the community should seriously be considered before making a final decision. Pupil numbers do not reflect the true value of a school.

“Closing schools can result in fewer families living in an area, in the long term, this can contribute to the decline of a Welsh speaking community.

“I still believe federalisation with Ysgol Talyarn, creating an ALN unit would be the best option..”

He urged the council to continue working with the school, parents, governors and community “to find a sustainable future”.

“Once the doors close and gates locked, it is very difficult to get the same sense of community back.”

He thanked everyone who had objected or signed the petition, the pupils, education and modernisation department, staff, governors, and community.

Head of education Gwern ap Rhisiart said “all options” had been considered.

“Federalisation does bring strengths but only works at schools where you have a substantially higher number of pupils…” he said.

“We did not feel the federalisation model was one we were able to press on with.”

He added that “many objections were received” and they had “considered every option very carefully.”

“We don’t come to work with a wish to close schools, we’re here to ensure the best education for young people and children, sometimes we have to make difficult decisions to move the sector forward.”

Assistant Head of Education Services Debbie Jones also noted that Welsh use was robust in Ysgol Talysarn: “We are confident children will receive the same type of Welsh medium opportunities in Ysgol Talysarn as now.”

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter