Fresh consultations open into school reorganisation proposals

Fresh consultations into two sets of school reorganisation proposals have been launched by Flintshire County Council.

The Council is seeking views on the proposed closure of St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, and the amalgamation of St David’s Catholic Primary School, St Mary's Catholic Primary School and St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School to create a new 3-18 all-through school.

A separate consultation seeks views on the proposed amalgamation of Saltney Ferry Primary School and Saltney Wood Memorial School.

Previous consultation exercises were undertaken on the proposals during 2025, but both processes were halted in March 2026 following the receipt of a late legal challenge relating to the Catholic schools consultation process, which could also have had implications for the Saltney consultation.

The Council sought legal advice in response, however the time required to properly consider that advice meant that statutory timescales could no longer be met.

Following review, the Council’s Cabinet agreed to restart the consultations into the original proposals.

The changes are being proposed as the Council aims to reduce the number of surplus places at the affected schools, which have been consistently under-subscribed in recent years.

The Council believes the plans would also present opportunities to strengthen school leadership arrangements, improve the learning environment for pupils and maximise the financial investment available from Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.

Any proposals, should they be approved following completion of the required statutory processes, would be implemented by September 2027. This would include the closure of St Anthony’s, while the new Catholic school would operate on the remaining sites until a new school has been constructed on the sites of St Richard Gwyn and St Mary’s in Flint.

Similarly, the new Saltney primary school would operate across both sites until a new school building is completed on land at Saltney Wood.

Councillor Mared Eastwood, Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure, said:

“These proposals have been developed in response to changing pupil numbers and the need to make the most effective use of resources, while ensuring pupils continue to have access to high-quality learning environments and opportunities.

“Although the earlier process was subject to a legal challenge, the proposals themselves have not changed.

“It is important that all those with an interest in the future of the affected schools have the opportunity to share their views, and I would encourage everyone to take part in the consultation.”

Both consultations are open until July 29th.

For more information, click here or email 

catholiceducationconsultation@flintshire.gov.uk

saltneyconsultations@flintshire.gov.uk.