Claire Archibald says plans to change school’s status ignore community opposition and threaten parental choice
A NEWLY elected Reform UK Member of the Senedd has spoken out against Pembrokeshire County Council’s plans to close Cilgerran Church in Wales Primary School and reopen it under a different status.
Claire Archibald MS, who represents Reform UK in the Senedd, said the proposal to close the voluntary controlled school in August 2026 and re-establish it as a community school is unnecessary and goes against the wishes of local residents.
Ms Archibald pointed to consultation responses which, she said, showed overwhelming opposition to the plan.
“The consultation shows overwhelming opposition, with around 97% of respondents rejecting the proposal,” she said. “This is a school that is performing well, is financially stable, and plays a vital role in its community. I do not believe there is a credible case for such a significant and permanent change.”
She also raised concerns about the potential loss of faith-based education in the area, stating that Cilgerran is the only Church in Wales primary school locally, with the nearest alternative more than 20 miles away.
“This proposal would remove meaningful parental choice for families, particularly in a rural area where options are already limited,” she said. “Faith and belief matter to many families, and removing the only local provision should only happen where there is a clear educational need. That need has not been demonstrated.”
Ms Archibald also questioned the council’s reasoning that changing the school’s status would allow for possible future federation arrangements, describing the justification as speculative.
She added that Estyn has indicated educational standards would be maintained under the proposal, rather than improved.
Calling on Pembrokeshire County Council to reconsider, she said: “Cilgerran School is not failing, it is thriving. I am urging Pembrokeshire County Council to withdraw this proposal and allow the school to remain as it is, serving its pupils, families and community.”
Pembrokeshire County Council is expected to make a decision on the proposal following the consultation process.
