Vale of Clwyd Senedd member Gareth Davies has called on the Welsh Government to ensure that education funding is fairly distributed across the region. While welcoming past investments under the 21st Century Schools Programme, Gareth has urged Ministers to address the urgent infrastructure needs of schools in his constituency, namely Denbigh High School and Prestatyn High School.
Raising the issue during the Business Statement and Announcement, he highlighted the transformative impact of previous funding allocations for schools in Rhyl, including the £23 million investment in Christ the Word Catholic School and the £90 million investment in Rhyl High School. These projects have delivered state-of-the-art facilities to communities that have long faced economic challenges.
However, he raised concerns that the benefits of the funding programme have not been equitable across the Vale of Clwyd with other schools in need of funding for building improvements and maintenance. Education providers with stronger scholastic performance located in areas with a higher average income are losing out on investment despite suffering from similar infrastructure issues hindering staff and pupils alike.
Gareth pressed the Welsh Government for concrete commitments to ensure these schools are not left behind, a timetable for funding to be allocated for other schools in Denbighshire with a commitment to ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources.
Commenting following the exchange, Member of the Senedd for Vale of Clwyd, Gareth Davies MS said:
“We’ve seen how investment can truly transform schools and communities so it’s vital that funding is distributed equitably across the region as every pupil deserves a learning environment that supports their potential.
“I’d like the see similar investments to those made in Rhyl, made to other schools in the area such as Prestatyn High School who have consistently delivered strong results despite their ageing infrastructure.
“I urge the Welsh Government to set out a clear timeline for investment in other Denbighshire schools, ensuring that all learners get the support they need to thrive in the right environment.”