### Community Rallies to Save Beloved Welsh Primary School From Closure
A passionate campaign has erupted in rural Pembrokeshire as Ysgol Clydau, a small primary school situated in the village of Tegryn, faces the threat of closure. The local authority, Pembrokeshire County Council, is currently considering shutting down the school amid falling pupil numbers, a move that has sparked concern and emotional pleas from parents, educators, and community members alike.
The proposed closure comes as part of broader recommendations from the Council’s School Modernisation Working Group, which highlighted a worrying 34 per cent drop in student enrolments at Ysgol Clydau between 2015 and 2025. Council officials argue that current projections show little sign of this decline reversing in the foreseeable future, with the dwindling student body making the school’s long-term sustainability increasingly questionable.
Despite these grim figures, Ysgol Clydau has earned praise for its warm and inclusive ethos. Its most recent Estyn report described the environment as “happy, caring, and welcoming,” underscoring the school’s vital role in community life. Those advocating for its survival emphasise that the school is more than just a place of learning – it serves as a focal point for the village and surrounding areas, providing a much-needed gathering place for people of all ages.
During a heated full council meeting held in May, Councillor Iwan Ward delivered an impassioned defence of the school. He stated, “This isn’t simply a place for education – it is the beating heart of our society, a family, and an anchor for children who deserve the chance to thrive in their own community.” Ward further described the possible closure as catastrophically unfair and morally troubling, arguing that it would signal a profound loss for local families.
The threat to Ysgol Clydau has prompted a groundswell of support in the form of a public petition, launched by local resident Sarah Farnden. The petition, which calls on Pembrokeshire County Council to reconsider its proposal, has quickly gained traction among residents. Farnden urges the council to “put the needs of the community first by keeping the school open,” and stresses the importance of full transparency and meaningful engagement with local people before any final decision is made.
Farnden’s statement contends that closing the school would have far-reaching implications. “Ysgol Clydau is more than just a school; it’s a hub for community life, offering a safe and welcoming space for children, families, and residents of all ages. Its closure will isolate our community, lead to population decline, and weaken the social fabric we all depend on.” She also points out the school’s long history, with educational provision on the site dating back as far as 1880.
The petition further highlights the significance of small rural schools in maintaining the survival of the Welsh language and culture. “Small schools like ours are the bedrock of rural communities and essential for the continuation of our language,” it reads. “They are nurturing environments that give children the attention and support they deserve, which larger schools may find challenging to provide.”
Community members worry that the closure would result in practical difficulties for families, especially as public transport in the area is limited and not all parents have access to personal vehicles. “Expecting young children to travel miles by bus every day is simply not right,” the petition asserts, raising concerns about the impact on children’s wellbeing and academic outcomes.
Any resident, worker, or student within the jurisdiction of Pembrokeshire County Council—regardless of age—is eligible to support the petition. If the campaign garners at least 500 signatures, the organiser will earn the opportunity to present the case at a full council meeting, ensuring the voices of the community are heard before decisions are finalised.
As the debate continues, Ysgol Clydau’s future hangs in the balance. For many in Tegryn and its neighbouring villages, the school stands as a symbol of their shared heritage, community strength, and hope for the next generation – a legacy they are determined to defend. The council’s final decision will not just shape the fate of one small school, but also the vibrancy of rural community life for years to come.