Four Flintshire Catholic schools face closure in modernisation push to create single merged superschool

 

Four Catholic schools in Flintshire could close under new plans to create a single 3-18 all-through Catholic school in Flint.

The proposal, part of Flintshire County Council’s school modernisation programme, will be considered by Cabinet later this month, with a formal consultation expected if the plans are approved.

The schools affected are:

• St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, Saltney
• St David’s Catholic Primary School, Mold
• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Flint
• St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School, Flint

The new school would be built on the existing sites of St Richard Gwyn and St Mary’s in Flint, bringing primary and secondary education together under one roof.

The Council is working in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Wrexham and the Welsh Government on the project, which aims to address the issue of surplus places and ensure a sustainable future for Catholic education in the county.

Chief officer for Education Claire Homard explained the need for change:

“We currently have a significant issue with surplus places, which is unsustainable in the long term. This proposal is an opportunity to revitalise education and give learners the best possible opportunities.”

St Anthony’s Closure Planned for 2026

Under the current proposal, St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School is set to close by September 2026 due to declining pupil numbers, which have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the school.

The other schools would remain open as separate establishments until the new 3-18 school is built and ready to open.

Diocese Supports the Plan

The Bishop of Wrexham, Peter Brignall, has welcomed the proposal:

“This projected scheme has my support and that of the Diocese. I am pleased to be working in partnership with Flintshire County Council and the Welsh Government to secure the opportunity for Catholic schools in Flintshire to provide faith-based education of the highest quality for our young people.”

What Happens Next?

Cabinet members will be asked to approve the launch of a formal consultation with key stakeholders, including parents, staff, and the wider community.

If approved, the consultation will offer an opportunity for local residents to share their views and help shape the future of Catholic education in the area.

More than £140 million has been invested in Flintshire’s school estate over the past decade as part of the Council’s modernisation programme, which aims to provide high-quality, inspiring learning environments for pupils and staff.