The potential closure of Tref-Y-Rhyg Primary School in Tonyrefail has left people “devastated” at the thought of losing what they describe as “one big family”. Sian Garland, a parent governor and co-chair of the PTA at the school, expressed the community’s distress over the proposal. The Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council is considering shutting down the school due to anticipated declining pupil numbers and the building’s condition. The plan would relocate the students to Tonyrefail Community School by no later than September 2025.
With deep emotional ties to the school, Sian emphasised the close-knit nature of the community, where every staff member knows each pupil and their families. She highlighted the impact on children transitioning from a small school to a larger one and raised concerns about the practicality of the longer walking distances to the new school, particularly for those students reliant on school services like the swap shop, free uniform, and breakfast clubs.
More than 400 signatures have been collected on a petition opposing the closure, with plans for a walk on October 14 to demonstrate the route the children would have to take if Tref-Y-Rhyg shuts down. The RCT Council urged residents to participate in the consultation process, emphasizing the importance of community feedback. The decision to consider closing Tref-Y-Rhyg is based on factors such as projected pupil decline, building conditions, and the school’s ability to meet modern educational standards.
Tonyrefail Community School, which would potentially receive Tref-Y-Rhyg’s students, boasts state-of-the-art facilities following a significant investment in 2020. The council is seeking input from the community on the proposed closure to inform its final decision. The school closure has mobilised the community to fight against the potential loss of their beloved educational institution, highlighting the strong emotional attachment and sense of unity felt by all involved.