**Bridgend Schools Face Scrutiny After Internal Audit Flags Financial and Governance Concerns**
Councillors in Bridgend have called for additional investigations into the operations of two local schools, following the emergence of several issues highlighted in the council’s latest internal audit for the 2024-25 financial year. The findings, discussed at a recent governance and audit committee meeting, have thrown a spotlight on the way public funds and governance processes are managed at Maesteg School and Penybont Primary School.
According to the internal audit report, both schools demonstrated shortcomings in financial record-keeping and management. One of the most striking concerns related to Penybont Primary, where expenditure through a council purchasing card was reported to be significantly higher than other schools in the county. Worryingly, auditors found that crucial documentation, such as receipts and invoices, had not always been retained. This failure in basic financial house-keeping meant that independent verification of purchases had not been possible in several instances.
Maesteg School also came under fire, particularly regarding its management of private funds. The audit noted that, for at least two years, the school’s private fund had not undergone an independent audit. Furthermore, records of cash received by the school between September 2022 and September 2024 were either unavailable or incomplete. These gaps have led to questions about transparency and accountability in the handling of school finances.
A further issue identified in both schools was the lack of detail included in budgets regarding miscellaneous income. The report cited instances where expected miscellaneous revenue streams—such as letting fees—were not clearly broken down. It was also pointed out that letting fees charged to external hirers had not been approved by the schools’ governing bodies, as required by policy.
Beyond the financial irregularities, auditors also flagged lapses in safeguarding protocols. Specifically, in some cases at Maesteg School, new staff members commenced their roles without either Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks or documented risk assessments—a breach that raises concerns about pupil welfare and the adherence to safeguarding regulations.
During the committee meeting, Councillor Richard Granville of Cornelly voiced particular concern over the severity of these findings. He called on the director of education to explain what steps were being taken to rectify the situation and regain public confidence. In response, council officers assured attendees that plans had already been made for a follow-up audit during the 2025-26 financial year, aiming to monitor progress and ensure previously identified issues are addressed.
Authorities noted that both schools had responded constructively to the audit, enacting some initial corrective actions. Progress will continue to be monitored through additional visits by the audit team, with reassurances provided that the council is committed to upholding high standards of transparency and governance across all educational institutions.
Councillor Ross Penhale-Thomas acknowledged the value of the audit process, stressing that its transparency allows issues such as these to be surfaced and acted upon. He welcomed the willingness shown by headteachers to accept recommendations and to cooperate with future audits, seeing it as a positive step towards strengthening procedures.
Despite the seriousness of the concerns raised at Maesteg and Penybont Primary, the overarching annual audit report painted a largely positive picture. Out of the 43 reviews completed for the year, most were assessed as meeting expected standards of financial management and governance. However, the issues identified at these two schools serve as a timely reminder of the importance of vigilance and proper procedures in the handling of public funds and the safeguarding of pupils.
As the council moves forward with follow-up audits and closer monitoring, there will be a keen focus on seeing that all Bridgend schools maintain robust controls and transparent, responsible use of resources. Community stakeholders will be watching closely, mindful of the broader implications that such lapses may carry for the quality and integrity of local education.