Carmarthenshire schools set to close despite community opposition

Carmarthenshire County Council has voted to permanently close two rural primary schools, Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro, effective December 31, 2026. The decision follows a recommendation from the council’s Plaid-Independent cabinet and was driven by low pupil numbers and financial pressures.

Ysgol y Fro, located in Llangyndeyrn, currently has no pupils on its register. Ysgol Meidrim, situated near St Clears, reported having 22 to 31 pupils recently. The council noted that Meidrim’s cost per pupil was approximately £880 above the county average and the school faced an increasing deficit.

The closures have met significant community opposition. For Ysgol Meidrim, 151 objections were submitted compared to nine in support. Local residents and councillors expressed concerns that losing these schools could discourage young families from moving to rural areas, potentially accelerating population decline and impacting the use of the Welsh language. Following the closure, Ysgol Meidrim students will be transferred to Ysgol Hafodwenog or Ysgol Griffith Jones, depending on parental preference.