The college was compelled to shut in 2019 after it was deemed in danger from landslide
Questions round funding for a alternative Swansea Valley faculty have been requested of Welsh Authorities after functions for funding had been submitted by the native council. They got here when Plaid Cymru MS Sioned Williams requested about Welsh Authorities help for a proposed alternative constructing for Godre’r Graig Major at a collection of latest Plenary conferences.
Godre’r Graig major was closed in 2019 after questions of safety had been raised over a possible landslip from a close-by quarry spoil tip, with pupils moved to portakabins close to Cwmtawe Group College the place they’ve spent the six years since.
There had been a possible answer to the problems put ahead by Neath Port Talbot’s former Labour-run council – with plans to shut three native major colleges of Alltwen, Llangiwg and Godre’r Graig, and exchange them with a brand new facility for 630 full-time pupils on land at Parc Ynysderw. Keep knowledgeable on the whole lot Neath Port Talbot by signing as much as our e-newsletter right here
Nonetheless, these plans had been later rejected by the present coalition-led council after what was described as “overwhelming” backlash from academics, dad and mom and residents, who argued they had been unsuitable and damaging to schooling and the neighborhood within the Swansea Valley.
In a query to the First Minister, South Wales West MS Williams requested if the Welsh Authorities would now recognise the distinctive circumstances that had led to the varsity requiring a brand new constructing.
She additionally famous that from correspondence made accessible to the varsity, it appeared as if the appliance for help with funding for a alternative constructing was being assessed as if it had been for a model new faculty.
The First Minister responded to this by saying her understanding was that the council had “blocked” the brand new faculty proposal which was one thing she could wish to mirror on.
This reply was later deemed as “shameful” by Ms Williams who mentioned she would now write to the First Minister for a extra “substantive response”.
She mentioned: “Labour’s earlier ‘super-school’ proposal would have ripped the center out of Godre’r Graig and the neighborhood subsequently elected a brand new council, collectively led by Plaid Cymru, that listened to their considerations.
“It was shameful to see the First Minister play politics with the way forward for Godre’r Graig Major College with out even attempting to reply my query about the necessity to recognise the distinctive circumstances that led to the varsity requiring a brand new constructing.
“I will likely be writing to the First Minister to demand a substantive response extra befitting of her workplace.”
At a subsequent assembly she additionally requested the cupboard secretary for schooling Lynne Neagle, if she can be prepared to satisfy with leaders on the faculty. Ms Neagle mentioned she was “very pleased to go to the varsity” including that officers had been additionally attributable to meet with the chief exective and director for schooling in Neath Port Talbot to debate their plans.
Godre’r Graig Major College’s authentic constructing was demolished in 2024 after its closure in 2019.
