THE Beacon has been made aware of continued speculation about the provision of a new state of the art comprehensive school in Monmouth. It is being suggested the new school will be built in the Rockfield area of the town, with the cost of the complete project being in the region of £30 million. Understandably, officers at County Hall in Cwmbran are remaining fairly tight lipped about the project. However, it is interesting to note that they are not ruling out a new school being provided. In a statement to The Beacon on Tuesday, a spokesman said: "A Project Board is currently looking at Secondary Education Provision in Monmouthshire. We recognise the importance of ensuring that our Young People benefit from the best facilities possible, but at this stage no decisions have been taken. "The Welsh Assembly Government have yet to announce details of funding arrangements for schools buildings after 2009/2010. "Education spending is not ringfenced, as it is in England. This allows decisions about spending to be agreed at a local level". Meanwhile, a reliable source told this paper that money intended for Monmouth Comprehensive and its feeder primary schools is being diverted by the county council to the social services. One pound in every 20 that should be going on education is being spent by Monmouthshire County Council plugging holes in its social services spending. Figures released by the National Assembly reveal that Monmouthshire misapplies more than any other county in Wales. Monmouth Comprehensive School plunged into deficit in 2006-07, according to the Governors' Annual Report to Parents 2007 presented to parents recently. On expenditure of more than £5.5m, a credit of £14,056 in 2005-06 became a deficit of £64,987 in 2006-07. That leaves the reserves at £44,593 it is claimed. Academically, the results show a worrying achievement gap between boys and girls. At Key Stage Four, the number of boys achieving the target was 41% against 57% for girls. The target for 2008 is for a marked improvement where the boys are concerned – to 48%. At the same time girls are predicted to slip back to 53%. The opening of Kymin View Primary School in Wyesham has provided a stark reminder of the "parlous state" of the comprehensive's buildings, the Governors said. "The Governing Body believes that the re-siting and redevelopment of our school would be advantageous for not only the young people of the area but for the whole town, providing a centre for the community and further economic development." The Head has apparently made a presentation to Monmouthshire's Secondary Development Project Board on plans for a new school costing up to £30m. It is not known where in Monmouth the new school might be built.
