Post-16 Review Frequently Asked Questions

As part of the engagement on the review of post-16 provision, we have put together a series of frequently asked questions to address as many of the most common queries as possible. 

Why are you reviewing Post-16 provision? 

Despite changes to the delivery of Post-16 provision in the last few years, such as the introduction of the Chweched Powys Sixth strategic management model, challenges remain in terms of the Post-16 offer across Powys. These were summarised in Estyn's report following their recent inspection of Powys Education Services, which stated that: 

'Over the past three years, the local authority has introduced the 'Chweched Powys Sixth model' to provide sixth form learning on twelve school sites. However, these arrangements have not led to improved learner outcomes, are not financially sustainable and do not support equal access to post-16 provision for all learners. As a result, progress in addressing post-16 transformation has been too slow.'  

These challenges are explored further in the 'Strategic Review of the Post-16 Provision in Powys' document, which was considered by Cabinet in May 2025. This is available via the following link: Cyngor Sir Powys County Council - Agenda for Cabinet on Tuesday, 13th May, 2025, 11.00 am 

The aim of the current review is to build a Post-16 system that is learner-focused, sustainable, and fit for the future. 

Why are you proposing to close all sixth forms? 

We are not currently 'proposing to close all sixth forms'.  

We are currently considering future options for post-16 provision in the county. One of the options that has been identified is to reconfigure provision into two larger post-16 centres, one in the north of the county and one in the south of the county, which could eventually result in closure of sixth forms. This would concentrate resources, improve curriculum breadth, and enable better use of digital and face-to-face learning methods.  

However, no decisions have been made to move forward with this option, and many other options are also being considered. 

Why are you proposing to open new sixth form centres in Newtown and Brecon? These locations would be too far for some learners. 

Newtown and Brecon have been identified as possible locations for new sixth form centres as these are main towns in North and South Powys, which benefit from strong transport links. In addition, they are the two locations from which NPTC College operates in Powys, which would provide opportunities for learners attending any centres established in these towns to also access vocational provision at the college. 

However, it is recognised that these locations would require significant travel for some Powys learners, and that some may be closer to other post-16 provision in neighbouring counties, such as Shropshire and Neath Port Talbot. 

No decisions have been made to move forward with any changes, and as part of the current review, opportunities have been provided for alternative options to be suggested, which could include alternative locations. Any alternative options suggested will be considered when determining how to proceed, and the impact on access to provision and learner travel will be a key consideration when determining how to proceed.  

Why aren't you closing Welsh-medium sixth forms? 

Enhancing Welsh-medium provision is a key priority for the Council.  

Currently, the number of learners accessing Welsh-medium sixth form provision in Powys is very low, and the subject offer is minimal. This does not meet the Council's aims for Welsh-medium education as outlined in its Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP). 

The Council is currently in the process of establishing a number of designated Welsh-medium secondary providers to strengthen the provision available in the secondary phase. The current intention is to continue to develop Welsh-medium sixth form provision within these schools, to ensure that there are Welsh-medium staff available to deliver the provision, and also to ensure that learners continue to benefit from a full Welsh-medium ethos. However, it is acknowledged that Welsh-medium pupil numbers would be low initially, and close links would be needed with other providers to ensure that a suitable curriculum can be provided. 

What will happen to staff? 

Any changes to the current sixth form provision in schools may result in changes in staffing requirements in the future, however as no decision has yet been made to move forward with any changes, it is not currently possible to provide any definite information about the impact on staff.  

It is recognised that any change process results in uncertainty for affected staff, and opportunities will continue to be provided for staff to engage with the current review as the work moves forward. Should the Council decide to move forward with any changes, the Council will work closely with schools and unions to manage transitions fairly, supporting staff development and redeployment where possible. 

When will the changes happen? 

Should the Council decide to move forward with any system wide changes which would affect post-16 provision across Powys, it is likely to take a number of years to implement these - at least 5 years, however it may take longer than this, depending on the nature of the changes being proposed. 

How is Post-16 Education in Powys funded? 

Funding comes from a Post-16 Grant provided by Medr, which is an arms-length body of the Welsh Government, responsible for the tertiary sector. This grant is allocated to Powys County Council based on a formula, which is primarily driven by the average number of learners attending Powys sixth forms, with top-ups for sparsity, deprivation and Welsh-medium education. Powys Council allocates the majority of this funding directly to schools based on learner numbers and the courses that are being delivered. Powys funding from Medr has reduced in recent years due to falling pupil numbers, which is projected to continue without any changes to the model.  

Colleges receive funding directly from Medr, using the same formula. 

How will the changes improve things for learners? 

Whatever the outcome of the current review, the aim is to ensure Post-16 provision in Powys that:  

• Offers more subjects and greater choice to best meet learner needs  
• Provides higher-quality teaching in subject-specialist groups 
• Has less in-day travel between schools 
• Provides more equality of access, including Welsh-medium and provision for learners with ALN 
• Provides a stronger learner experience with enrichment, wellbeing support, and careers guidance 

What will happen next? 

Initial engagement took place during the Summer Term 2025. Further engagement will be carried out in the Autumn Term, which will include engagement with learners. The Council will then consider the findings from the engagement work in the Spring Term 2026, and will determine a way forward and a timeline. 

Depending on the changes that are proposed, it is possible that a formal process would need to take place, which would include consultation with all affected stakeholders. An implementation plan would be developed to provide clarity on future expected activity.