MORE than £170m could be invested in education in Powys after ambitious plans were approved by the County Council's cabinet.

On Tuesday, September 29, cabinet approved five reports which could result in new school facilities across the county as well as a proposal to carry out a consultation on establishing a new all-age school.

But some schools could close as part of the transforming education work.

Cabinet agreed to submit a revised strategic outline case to the Welsh Government for a new all-age community campus for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen.

They also agreed to submit programme businesses cases to the Welsh Government for capital investment in the Brecon and Llanfyllin catchment areas which could see a number of new facilities being built.

A Strategic Outline Case for investment in Ysgol Calon Cymru will also be submitted to the Welsh Government after Cabinet gave the go-ahead.

Cabinet also agreed to start consultation to establishing a new all-age school in Llanfair Caereinion, merging Caereinion High School and Llanfair Caereinion County Primary School.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “I’m delighted that these reports were approved by Cabinet. The council is committed to delivering an improved learner offer for children and young people by delivering our Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys, which was approved in April.

“We want to provide environments where teachers can thrive and learners can excel. It is also important that these environments meet the wellbeing needs of our learners.

“The decisions yesterday are just the start of the transforming education journey for these areas.

“Any changes will be subject to statutory school reorganisation process which involves extensive consultation with a school and their communities before any decisions are made.”

Full details on each of the proposals considered by Cabinet can be found on the Powys County Council website.