MACHYNLLETH’S new super school is suffering a mass exodus of pupils because of teaching issues and a push towards more Welsh language education, councillors have warned.

The claims come after it was announced in the Cambrian News last month that parents are considering moving their children to secondary schools elsewhere following the Welsh Government’s ranking of Ysgol Bro Hyddgen as ‘red’, along with some of the worst schools in Wales.

Among claims made by councillors this week are that 56 pupils were moved from the school by parents between 2014 and 2015, and it is now in danger of losing more pupils because of teaching issues and because of a push towards Welsh-language education.

“I don’t really know where to start,” Cllr Sylvia Rowlands told Machynlleth Town Council last week.

“I have had a lot of complaints from several parents who are very concerned about the whole situation.

“I received a letter saying staff are being moved about and questioning how someone could be teaching GCSEs at one level and then go on to teach infants.

“The school has gone through a traumatic time and it is not good for the children to have these changes when teachers have been there for years.”

Cllr Monica Atkins said she had received numerous complaints from parents, adding that 56 children had already moved from the school in the last academic year.

After considering whether to ask school representatives to give a presentation in front of the town council, councillors agreed that a public meeting should be held where parents, councillors and concerned residents can ask the school and the county council for answers on the direction of the school.

Powys council said it is exploring the introduction of “one or more” Welsh-medium schools - also called category 2A schools - in north Powys, with a business case to be presented to Cabinet later this year.

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