A QUESTION mark hangs over the future of two village primary schools.

Ysgol Terrig and Ysgol Parc y Llan in Treuddyn, one of which is English and one Welsh, are believed to be being looked at under Flintshire Council’s school modernisation strategy because of dwindling pupil numbers.

The headteachers are due to retire this year and the schools’ governors say they have been asked by Flintshire Council to look at two options for the schools’ futures. The first is a federation, which would see the schools stay as they are as a Welsh and English medium school with two separate budgets but united by one headteacher and one governing body.

The second would see the schools amalgamate to create a new school with one headteacher, one governing body and one budget.

Parents of pupils have been sent letters from the two governing bodies detailing the options.

The letter reads: “Considering our options and pressure from the local authority, the two governing bodies’ preferred option would be to forward a proposal to federate.

“We feel this would have the least disruption to the two schools and preserve their separate and unique identities, while also creating some benefits and savings.”

Treuddyn councillor Carolyn Thomas said although an amalgamation would include two separate Welsh and English streams within the school, she believed a federation would be better.

“A federation will mean it will preserve the two schools as they are as Welsh and English medium schools,” she said.

“It is important to have provision for Welsh medium education so parents have the choice because total immersion in a language can make such a difference.

“Amalgamation would mean closing both schools and re-opening under one name.

“That might work but it seems such a huge step.”

Flintshire Council is currently exploring various options for schools across the county.