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CHILDREN HAVE BEEN TAUGHT AT YSGOL LLANSTEFFAN IN CARMARTHENSHIRE SINCE THE 1950S, BUT NUMBERS HAVE DROPPED IN RECENT YEARS TO AN ALL-TIME LOW AND EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO SAVE IT FOR THE

FUTURE 16:44, 29 May 2025Updated 12:45, 30 May 2025 Located in a wonderful village in a beautiful area of Wales, this school is in a perfect spot for families with a backdrop consisting of a

large beach, an historic castle and beautiful woodland walks. And yet, the school is struggling to survive because of dwindling numbers. Ysgol Llansteffan has just eight pupils and is

urgently hoping to attract more in order to safeguard its future. It had more than 30 pupils as recently as 2016, but numbers have continued to fall. Generations of children have been taught

in the school since it opened in the early 1950s, many of whom still live in the village. Last year the school had only nine pupils. Then one of them left. _Stay informed on Carms news by

signing up to __our newsletter here_. Ysgol Llansteffan is part of a school federation which includes Ysgol Bancyfelin (a 35-minute round trip which includes crossing the notoriously busy

A40 dual carriageway) and Ysgol Llangain (10 minutes away by car). Last year, parent and PTA member Charlotte Grice said: “There were more than 30 children at the school but a main teacher

moved schools on a secondment. "Since then, the school has only been able to have supply teachers and that lack consistency and continuity has meant children have moved to other

schools, added to the fact that we are quite far out from other areas in Llansteffan. "There’s been frustration from parents but we all just want to save it. Unfortunately, with eight

children it’s just not feasible. It’s a huge shame as it’s a brilliant school, my daughter loves it there, and it’s the best school out of the three in the federation in terms of location -

you couldn’t wish for a better place.” Parents have now created a video that highlights some of the work that goes on behind the scenes at the school and the education it offers to young

minds. Rhys Emlyn, the ‘Mock Mayor’ of Llansteffan, shared the video on social media and said: “If you are in search of a primary school in the most picturesque of settings, teaching in the

medium of Welsh, then Ysgol Llansteffan will surely be an ideal candidate. "The school has been a significant institution for Llansteffan village for many decades, and with a healthy

thriving pupil population, will continue to be so for many years to come.” Glynog Davies, cabinet member for education and Welsh language at Carmarthenshire Council, said schools across the

area were facing up to a “range of challenges”. He said: “The aim is to transform the network of nursery, primary and secondary schools into a strategically and operationally effective

resource that meets current and future need for a school-based and community -focused education.” Ysgol Llansteffan is accepting applications for new pupils that will help to save its

long-term future. You can contact the school by e-mail on [email protected] or by calling 01267 241479. Article continues below