I have been rather quite of late as we have been waiting to see what the Powys Review would recommend. Now we know. A letter sent to the school today states that: • To establish a new build 11-16 English -medium secondary school in Brecon, replacing Gwernyfed High School and Brecon High School Some of the reasons for this draft recommendation are as follows: - This option will create a critical mass of pupils that meets the Authority’s agreed minimum threshold of 600 pupils at KS3 and KS4 - The option provides an opportunity for learners to have a broader post-16 curriculum in a single location, and removes the need for inter-school/college transport; - It improves cost-effectiveness and efficiency, also eliminating current maintenance costs on both schools - The model will reduce overall surplus places However, we are aware that there will need to be a significant capital development to implement this recommendation, therefore we are proposing an interim recommendation which is: "- To establish a new English-medium 11 – 16 secondary school that will operate from the current sites of Gwernyfed High School and Brecon High School from September 2017. This would involve the closure of both schools. In accordance with Stage 2 (vi) of the School Review Process contained within the Schools Transformation Policy 2014, the governing body, head teacher and local member are invited to attend a feedback meeting to be held at 5:00pm on Tuesday 26th January. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider the draft recommendations of the SORP, and to provide a further opportunity for the governing body to present additional evidence. The meeting will be held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Llandrindod Wells. " Effectively, it is the same closure plan wrapped up in different words. Effectively the local authority is saying they do not give a damn about the 10 communities which will be effected. The head and governors have to attend a meeting with the strangely named SORP group (jargon for something) and then will have to decide whether they are prepared to fight or cave in but if they are going to fight they have to stop being to "nice". I am away for three weeks and not sure at the moment what I will be able to do until I am back. The school reps have to attend a meeting at the LA on 26 January if you would like to let the County Council know what you think send an email to : marianne.evans@powys.gov.uk