School Organisation - Proposal to amalgamate Blaenymaes and Portmead primary schools FAQs

Why is this proposal being made?

This proposal is part of a wider strategic plan for schools in Swansea generally and the Penderry area specifically.

The amalgamation of Portmead and Blaenymaes primary schools on existing sites will enable a new build school to be developed in future to accommodate all pupils from the existing communities at one site.

The plan is therefore to build a brand-new state of the art school for the amalgamated primary school on land in the locality of the existing Blaenymaes Primary School. While the new school building does not form part of this consultation, amalgamating the two schools is the first step towards realising that plan.

When will this happen?

We are consulting on this proposal between 31 March 2025 and 15 May 2025, and if approved we are proposing to amalgamate the two schools in September 2027 on existing sites. The longer-term plan is to open the new build in 2031.

Will Portmead Primary School and Blaenymaes Primary School remain open until the new school is built?

Both school sites will remain open, and operate largely as they do now, serving their respective communities. Parents and pupils will see very little change. Pupils will continue to be taught in their current school sites until 2031. However, if the proposal is agreed, the two schools will formally become one school, with one governing body and one headteacher, operating across two sites from September 2027.

Where will the planned new site be?

The current plan is to locate the new school building close to the current Blaenymaes Primary School site.

Will the new school build have a Flying Start, Part Nursery and Special Teaching Facility?

Yes.

How will the new school benefit pupils?

The amalgamated schools will provide the following benefits for pupils:

• Provide pupils with access to facilities at both sites.
• Provide a larger staff team that can provide more flexibility in terms of covering all the curriculum. It can provide staff with more opportunities to develop their skills as they share best practice from the two existing schools and can enable the best use to be made of staff expertise.
• Provide a greater range of educational and extra-curricular activities.

The longer-term plan for a new school will provide a modern 21^st century schools facilities, specially designed to meet the needs of children. There will be improved indoor and outdoor learning environments. All staff and pupils will have the opportunity to help shape the design of the new school building.

Why is the council proposing to amalgamate the schools before moving to the new school?

There are many benefits of amalgamating the two schools ahead of the move to the new school. It will make the transition to the new school smoother for learners as the two schools can start to operate as one, with a single whole school ethos, shared policies, and procedures. This will provide additional opportunities for pupils and staff to share facilities and resources. Early amalgamation will also support and help shape the new school design.

What support will be given to pupils to prepare them for the transition to the new school?

Support will be provided to pupils to help them prepare for the transition to the new school building and this will include teacher-led sessions, transition days and visits to the new site. Pupils will be consulted throughout the process and asked their ideas about the school design.

Will there by a new school uniform?

This will be determined by the temporary governing body, with consideration given to pupil's views and ideas regarding this. The governing body will be advised to consider the Welsh Government guidance on school uniform and allow a period of transition / phasing in of any new uniform. Eligible pupils can access grant funding from the Welsh Government School Essentials Grant (formerly school uniform grant - PDG access).

What will the new school be named?

This will be determined by the temporary governing body with consideration given to pupils views and ideas regarding this.

How will pupils be consulted?

There will be an opportunity for the pupils of both schools pupil councils to participate in the consultation process, which will be conducted at the schools with support from their teachers. The feedback from pupils during these sessions will be collated and considered. Furthermore, a pupil consultation paper, which outlines the proposal in a simplified format, is also available, and this includes a pupil response slip they can complete and send in if they wish.

Pupils can also access an online survey by following this link: 

How can I have my say?

We are consulting on this proposal between 31 March 2025 and 15 May 2025. The full consultation document can be found on the website and includes information on all the ways you can let us know your views including online survey, attending a consultation meeting or emailing / writing to us: Proposal to amalgamate Blaenymaes and Portmead primary schools

You can also ask for a hard copy of the consultation paper from the school or by emailing schoolorganisation@swansea.gov.uk