In November 2017, plans were announced to close Cymer Afan on 31 August 2019. Consultation started on 11 December 2017, ending on 26 January 2018. The reasons for the planned closure included the school's £3m maintenance bill, the high amount of money spent on the school's pupils compared to other schools in the area, and the large gap between the school's capacity of 640 pupils and the 229 on roll.[3][4]
In June 2018, members of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council voted in support of the school's closure.[5]
A community action group of parents was formed to oppose the plans, their legal representative calling the plan "a death sentence for the community". A judicial review was prepared for the group, focusing on the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.[6] The BBC described the group's aims as being "landmark".[7]
In December 2018, solicitors representing the group served the council with notice of a judicial review application.[8] The High Court saw the case in March 2019, but dismissed it on the grounds that judicial review was not the appropriate way to enforce the Future Generations Act.[9] A second judge also dismissed the review.[1]
A council report showed 433 written objections from pupils, parents, staff and members of the community, including Stephen Kinnock, the MP for Aberavon. A petition with 2007 signatures was also received.[10]
The school's chair of governors opposed the planned closure, calling it a "devastating blow" to the area.[11]
The National Education Union criticised the plans, arguing that the council "failed to safeguard the jobs of staff" and "did not adequately consult" the local community. However, council leader Robert Jones stated that he was "100% confident" in their consultation process.[7]
