The Cabinet of Carmarthenshire Council met on Monday 5 October 2026 to discuss the Modernising Education Programme. The meeting decided to recommend to the full Council the discontinuation of Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol Y Fro.

Modernising Education Programme - Ysgol Meidrim Objection Report

The Cabinet considered the objection report for Ysgol Meidrim, a rural primary school facing challenges including low pupil numbers, high surplus places, a budget deficit, and leadership instability. Despite community opposition and concerns raised about the impact on the village, Welsh language, pupil wellbeing, and travel, the Cabinet noted that the school's fundamental issues remained unresolved. Alternative options such as federation were considered but deemed insufficient to address the long-term sustainability challenges. Consequently, the Cabinet recommended to the Council that the proposal to discontinue Ysgol Meidrim be proceeded with.

Modernising Education Programme - Ysgol Y Fro Objection Report

The Cabinet also considered the objection report for Ysgol Y Fro, another rural primary school facing similar challenges of very low pupil numbers, high surplus places, a significant budget deficit, and leadership instability. All 22 objections received were addressed within the report. The Cabinet noted that all pupils previously registered at Ysgol Y Fro had secured places at alternative schools as of September 2026. The preferred option remained the discontinuation of the school on 31 December 2026, with pupils transferring to Ysgol Y Dderwen. The Cabinet acknowledged the community's opposition and concerns regarding community impact, the Welsh language, pupil wellbeing, travel, and the adequacy of the process. However, they concluded that the school's fundamental challenges remained unaddressed by alternative options. Therefore, the Cabinet recommended to the Council that the proposal to discontinue Ysgol Y Fro be proceeded with.

The meeting also included the formal approval of the minutes from the previous Cabinet meeting held on 21 September 2026. No questions on notice were received from members or the public.