The notice, issued on Tuesday 25 November, sets out plans to discontinue the Welsh‑medium primary school from 31 August 2026. If approved, pupils would transfer to Ysgol Llangain, which the council says has sufficient capacity to absorb the catchment without additional measures. School transport and secondary transfer arrangements would remain unchanged.
The decision to issue the notice was agreed by the council’s Cabinet on 17 November, following viability assessments under the Modernising Education Programme approved last year.
Council says closure plan is difficult but invites objections
Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Glynog Davies, said:
“We appreciate how difficult this situation is for those connected with Ysgol Llansteffan, and we wholeheartedly sympathise with the parents, staff, governors and local community. We encourage anyone with views on the proposal to submit them during the objection period so they can be fully considered before any final decision is made.”
Objections can be submitted until 23 December via the council’s online survey, by email to MEPConsultations@carmarthenshire.gov.uk, or in writing to the Director of Education and Leisure at County Hall, Carmarthen.
Parents and campaigners rally to defend village school
Local campaigners have already begun mobilising. Llansteffan and Llanybri Community Council confirmed on social media that Ysgol Llansteffan’s PTA will hold a community meeting to help residents prepare objections, with details to be announced.
The PTA has also shared a GoFundMe appeal launched by parent Charlotte Grice, titled Save Ysgol Llansteffan – Legal Challenge Fund. The fundraiser aims to secure specialist education law support to challenge the closure proposal.
Grice writes that time is critical, with the statutory objection period ending on 23 December:
“Every donation — no matter how small or how large — will mean more than you can ever imagine. Your help could make the difference between losing our school forever or giving our children the future they deserve.”
The campaign argues that outdated pupil data, contradictions over capacity at Ysgol Llangain, and concerns about Welsh‑medium provision and Additional Learning Needs have undermined the closure case. Funds raised would go directly towards solicitor fees, reviewing the proposal, preparing legal documents, and any steps needed to challenge the closure lawfully.
Supporters describe Ysgol Llansteffan as “the beating heart of our village” and stress its role in sustaining the Welsh language locally. The school’s coastal and woodland setting is highlighted as central to its curriculum, while parents say its small size provides a sanctuary for children who struggle in larger environments.
The GoFundMe appeal concludes:
“Once a school like ours is gone, it is gone forever — and it will never return. Closing it would tear out a part of Llansteffan’s soul and rob future generations of what we still have the chance to protect today.”
Closure part of wider modernisation programme criticised by campaigners
Ysgol Llansteffan is one of several Carmarthenshire schools identified for closure under the council’s Modernising Education Programme. Campaigners have previously criticised the process, arguing that closures risk undermining Welsh‑medium provision and rural community life.
The statutory notice marks the final stage of the process, with objections and legal challenges to be considered before a final decision is made.
