Latest news with #ChepstowSchool
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
A-Level subjects 'paused' at school and won't be available from September
A-Level subjects 'paused' at school and won't be available from September Low take-up has been blamed for the decision not to run a number of key stage five courses at a comprehensive school in Monmouthshire Chepstow School, which has cancelled a number of its key stage five courses for the coming academic year over financial concerns (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service ) A-Level geography and other sixth form courses at Chepstow School in Monmouthshire have been "paused" due to "low take-up". The school, facing a "significant deficit", will not offer some key stage five courses from September. Councillor Laura Wright, Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet member for education, explained that funding for post-16 education is influenced by the number of pupils enrolled aged 11 to 16 as well as the availability of post-16 options in nearby areas of Wales and England. Cllr Wright said that the headteacher at Chepstow School Kelly Waythe had informed parents and students about the need to "pause" certain courses "as early as possible". She acknowledged the school's financial struggles, stating: "The school is in a significant financial deficit at the moment and it means unfortunately it is not economical to run those courses with very low numbers and every course has a detrimental impact on the whole school budget. "But on a more positive note the school is going to retain the skills to teach the courses as pupil numbers increase and it is the intention of the school to restore the courses as soon as possible." Conservative councillor Rachel Buckler, who requested a statement on the variety of subjects available at key stage five, expressed her concern over the discontinuation of A-level geography among other affected subjects. Article continues below The Devauden councillor said geography had been included in the school's prospectus with students only informed of its removal after they had submitted their subject choices. Cllr Buckler believed geography to be a "common choice" among pupils, noting its status as a "facilitating subject" recognised by Russell Group universities. She questioned Cllr Wright on the implications for academic diversity and ambition, suggesting that the lack of geography could lead to students leaving Monmouthshire potentially for education institutions in England. Cllr Wright responded that decisions regarding subject offerings are made by headteachers and governors. She said she would discuss Cllr Buckler's concerns with Chepstow's headteacher at an upcoming meeting and relay any outcomes back. Monmouthshire is also involved in the e-sgol online learning initiative which connects its four secondary schools to provide courses in computer science, Welsh second language, and Spanish, subjects that typically attract fewer students at each individual school. Article continues below For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here .
South Wales Argus
02-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Chepstow School has 'paused' some sixth form courses
'Low take-up' from students has been blamed for the decision not to run a number of key stage five courses, for sixth formers aged 16 to 18, at Chepstow School which also has a 'significant deficit'. Councillor Laura Wright, Mommouthshire County Council's recently appointed cabinet member for education, said funding for post 16 education is affected by the number of statutory school age pupils, aged 11 to 16, enrolled at the school and post 16 options available nearby in Wales and England. Cllr Wright said the school's headteacher had shared with parents and students 'as early as possible' it had to 'pause' a number of courses. The Labour councillor added: 'The school is in a significant financial deficit at the moment and it means unfortunately it is not economical to run those courses with very low numbers and every course has a detrimental impact on the whole school budget. 'But on a more positive note the school is going to retain the skills to teach the courses as pupil numbers increase and it is the intention of the school to restore the courses as soon as possible.' Conservative Rachel Buckler, who asked for a statement on the 'breadth of subjects' at key stage five at Chepstow said she was concerned A-level geography is among those no longer available. The Devauden councillor said it had been included in the school's prospectus and students were only told after putting their subject choices forward. Cllr Buckler said she thought geography would be a 'common choice' for pupils as it is cited by Russel Group universities as a 'facilitating subject'. She asked Cllr Wright 'what message are we sending about our commitment to academic breadth and ambition' and said young people will now be considering leaving Monmouthshire including for schools and colleges in England. Cllr Wright said decisions on which subjects are provided are for headteachers and governors but she would raise the issues Cllr Buckler had highlighted at a pre-planned meeting with Chepstow's head and would pass any information back to Cllr Buckler. Monmouthshire also supports an e-sgol online learning partnership between its four secondary schools to offer courses in computer science, Welsh second language and Spanish which have traditionally only had a small number of students at each school studying them.
South Wales Argus
27-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Chepstow School praised for inclusivity in Estyn report
The inspection was conducted by Estyn, His Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, in March 2025. Chepstow School, located on Welsh Street in Chepstow, Monmouthshire, has a total of 799 pupils enrolled, with 663 of those being of statutory school age. (Image: Chepstow School) The report highlights that Chepstow School aims to inspire learning "for all, for life." It emphasizes the well-being of all pupils as a high priority, which contributes to a happy and safe school environment. (Image: Chepstow School) The sense of belonging among students is notably strengthened by the school's focus on pupil voice. The school's core values—positivity, ambition, curiosity, equity, and perseverance—are evident in its operations. (Image: Chepstow School) The report states that the social and emotional needs of all pupils, including the most vulnerable, are met well, allowing them to thrive. In many lessons, there are respectful and purposeful relationships between teachers and pupils. (Image: Chepstow School) This, along with good quality teaching, ensures that pupils of all abilities make at least secure progress in their knowledge, understanding, and skills. However, the report notes that the sixth form curriculum is currently limited. Chepstow School's PTA are a big part of the school's inclusive environment (Image: Chepstow School PTA) The headteacher, who was appointed on March 1, 2023, provides strong leadership and has guided the school through challenging times. The school's culture of collaboration and innovation was particularly commended, with special mention of pupil leadership and the proactive promotion of the Welsh language – identified as exemplary practices to be shared nationally. (Image: Chepstow School) Headteacher Kelly Waythe, expressing her pride in the recognition, said: 'This report captures the heart and soul of Chepstow School – the passion, resilience, and commitment of our pupils, staff, governors, and wider community. "It reflects the high standards we champion every day and reinforces our belief in the power of education to transform lives. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and remain focused on building upon our strengths as we continue our journey of excellence.' (Image: Chepstow School) Chair of Governors, Keith Dunn, OBE, added: 'It was a privilege to speak with the Estyn inspection team and hear their praise for our vibrant school community. The report is a tribute to the dedication of our headteacher, senior leaders, and every member of staff who puts our pupils at the centre of everything they do. "Parents and carers can be proud of the excellent education and care their children receive. As governors, we are immensely proud of this validation of Chepstow School's ongoing success and the strong foundations we have built for the future.' (Image: Chepstow School) The Estyn report not only recognises Chepstow School's achievements but also highlights its role as a model of best practice across Wales. With a clear vision and united commitment, the entire school community continues to create a thriving, inclusive learning environment – preparing young people to flourish in school and beyond. This leadership has helped the school make significant progress in addressing national priorities, particularly in improving attendance and promoting the Welsh language. Despite these positive aspects, the school is facing financial challenges. (Image: Chepstow School) To assist Chepstow School in its ongoing improvement, the report includes two recommendations. The first is to work with the local authority to ensure robust financial management. The second is to refine self-evaluation processes so that leaders can focus more effectively on the impact of teaching on pupils' progress and plan precisely for improvement. As a next step, the school will develop an action plan to address these recommendations from the inspection. This plan will be crucial in helping the school continue its journey of improvement and ensure that all pupils receive the best possible education.
