And you still want to close 6th forms?

As reported on the Rhondda Cynon Taff Council website;

“A-Level Results in Rhondda Cynon Taf have seen a major improvement with even more students completing courses and attaining higher grades

Overall, there was a substantial increase in the percentage of students in Rhondda Cynon Taf who gained A*-E grades, from 95.8% in 2010 to 96.8% this year.

Those attaining A*-C grades is 68.7% which also sees a substantial improvement of 1.6% on 2010.

While the attainment of the top grades of A*/A has fallen generally across Wales, the figure has increased to 17.3% in Rhondda Cynon Taf, compared to 16.7% in 2010.

Also in Rhondda Cynon Taf the entry rates of those sitting A-Level examinations has increased by 16.0% this year from 1,992 entries last year to 2,310 entries this year, the highest entry rate in recent times.”

This is an excellent achievement and congratulations are due to everyone involved.  As Vice Chair of Governors at Tonypandy Community College I know how much work goes into ensuring that students achieve the very best they can and I am very proud to be a part of it.

Yet if the Labour administration and their newly appointed Director of Education have their way then sixth forms will disappear from schools in RCT and be replaced by tertiary colleges.

RCT Welsh Liberal Democrats have been vociferously opposed to such plans from the start.  Last November it looked as if the scheme was dead in the water when (surprise, surprise) the Assembly said it would not give then the £86 million or so needed.  However, it has since been made clear by the Cabinet Member that this is still their preferred option.

It goes to show the total lack of awareness of Labour Councillors that they are not only so out of touch with what parents, staff, governors and parents want, but that they have such little regard for the educational needs of our young people.