Carmarthenshire County Council has initiated a review of school catchment areas and free transport eligibility for the upcoming 2027/2028 academic year. The consultation aims to revise school admission arrangements and transport policies, with proposed changes designed to enhance educational provision across the region.
The council’s plans include updates to school catchment boundaries and a recommendation that, starting from September 2027, free school transport will only be available to students attending their designated catchment school. Councillor Glynog Davies, the council’s cabinet member for education, emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “The proposed changes to school catchment areas and transport within Carmarthenshire will enable us to deliver a more balanced education provision across the county.”
Catchment areas in Carmarthenshire have largely remained consistent since a comprehensive review in 2010, with modifications made only in response to school reorganizations or closures. The council has indicated that the new proposals are informed by data and a variety of factors, including the need to align catchments more closely with administrative boundaries, ensure comprehensive coverage across the county, balance student numbers, and enhance the efficiency of school transport services.
In explaining the rationale behind the proposed changes, the council noted that advancements in digital mapping technology have resulted in increased accuracy in defining catchment areas. Other considerations include fostering community cohesion and incorporating informal feedback from schools.
It is important to note that Voluntary Aided Schools establish their own admissions policies and catchment maps, and therefore, they are not part of the current review. The consultation will also exclude Additional Learning Need Units and specialist schools. Nonetheless, the council reassured parents that the changes will not limit their rights to apply for any school of their choice under the Welsh Government’s admissions policy.
The consultation period is set to remain open until February 27, 2026. Parents, teachers, school governors, and members of the broader school community are encouraged to participate. Full details of the proposals, along with an online survey, can be accessed on the council’s website. For those who prefer, paper copies of the consultation are available upon request at the council’s Hwb centres located in Ammanford, Carmarthen, and Llanelli.
