Gwynedd Council in Wales has confirmed the closure of Ysgol Y Garreg, a primary school with only two current pupils, attributing the decision to a significant drop in student enrollment across the local authority. The council reported a decrease in primary school pupils from approximately 9,000 in 2016 to just over 7,800 currently.
Dewi Jones, cabinet member for education, described the closure as one of the most difficult decisions he has faced, emphasizing that the council's ambition is for schools to thrive. However, he stated that the authority has a responsibility to address the current reality, particularly the demographic challenges in rural communities. "Nobody goes into education in order to close schools," Jones said, but added that "in the specific position of Ysgol Y Garreg, it is impossible to ignore the seriousness of the situation."
Jones explained that the substantial reduction in student numbers necessitates changes, as the council "can't just continue as we are."
Ysgol Cefn Coch, located about two miles from Ysgol Y Garreg, will become the designated alternative school for the catchment area starting September 1.
Ysgol Y Garreg is not an isolated case; it is one of several schools in Gwynedd scheduled for closure this year. Two small schools in Dyffryn Nantlle are set to close at the end of December, and an independent school, St Gerard's in Bangor, will close next month. Official Welsh government data indicates that 31 council-run schools across Wales have ceased operations since January 2020.