SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is backing a campaign against the closure and merging of four Catholic schools in Flintshire.
Mr Rowlands, who recently met with parents, governors and local councillors, said he will be writing to express his concerns to the Leader of Flintshire County Council and the Bishop of Wrexham.
Flintshire County Council has revealed its plans to close four schools and merge them into one ‘superschool’ for pupils aged 3-18 from 2026 to 2029. They include St Anthony’s Catholic Primary in Saltney, St David’s in Mold, St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School and St Mary’s in Flint.
Mr Rowlands said: “I know there is real concern over this controversial proposal and I am determined to help my constituents in the Saltney, Mold and Flint areas who would be affected by such a plan.
“I have already met with concerned parents, governors and local councillors who are quite rightly against the merger and worried for the future of their local schools and the affect it could also have in their communities.
“I really can’t believe that anyone would think it is a good idea for children as young as four being bussed to a school about 10 miles from where they live.
“It is a totally crazy idea and I will be writing to the leader of Flintshire Council and the Bishop of Wrexham asking them to look again at the proposals.”
As part of the Council’s school modernisation programme, investment has been identified in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Wrexham and Welsh Government. The proposal would amalgamate several schools and create a new a school.
The latest proposal seeks to close St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, St David’s Primary School, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School and open a new 3-18 all through Catholic school.
Following an assessment of all existing sites, the proposed new school will be developed on the existing sites of St Richard Gwyn and St Mary’s in Flint.
The plan also includes closing St Anthony’s by September 2026.
Mr Rowlands added: “I am a firm believer in keeping schools local and I do not think merging four local schools into one “superschool” is the right way forward. St Anthony’s, for example, has been part of the Saltney community for over 150 years and provides education grounded in Christian values.
“It is very sad to hear about any plans for schools closing as it also affects the livelihoods of teachers, staff, and many local businesses which depend on the school community.”
