Minister 'to consult pupils' on education shake-up

THE education minister has told pupils he "expects" they will be consulted over RCT's proposed overhaul of sixth forms.
Last November, the council announced a £285m overhaul of post-16 teaching.
Of the four possible methods being considered, their preferred option is to close school sixth forms and open three tertiary colleges to deliver a wider range of courses to the age group.
A year-long consultation period will start in September.
This week Rhondda AM Leighton Andrews - in his role as Education minister - told the Senedd: "We would expect local authorities, in planning proposals for post-16 education, to consult widely.
"In that context, we would therefore expect them to consider representations from organisations of young people, including school councils, in their area.
"Obviously, I can't comment on the particular situation in Rhondda Cynon Taff, which will, ultimately, come to ministers for a decision, though clearly I have a strong constituency interest myself."
He was responding to a question from Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood, who represents South Wales Central.
She said the proposals had been met with "strong opposition, both from parents and pupils", and asked Labour's Mr Andrews what he could do to ensure students' voices are heard.