In April 2019, Gwynedd Council announced plans to start local discussions on opening a new primary school in Criccieth. This could potentially be a community primary school or replacement for Ysgol Llanystumdwy (a voluntary controlled Church in Wales faith school). The project would likely be part of Band B of the 21^st Century Schools Programme (2019-26).

Gwynedd Council should provide a new inclusive community school in Cricieth and allow Ysgol Llanystumdwy to close as it is no longer fit for purpose.

Improving outdated and inadequate school buildings requires huge public spending. This shouldn't further entrench religious ownership, privilege and discrimination. Rather than replacing existing faith schools at huge public expense only to see them owned by religious organisations, we should be investing in inclusive community schools for all.

Section 14 of the Education Act 1996 requires local authorities in Wales to ensure that the schools planned in their area are "sufficient in number, character and equipment to provide for all pupils the opportunity of appropriate education".

No More Faith Schools is a national campaign coordinated by the National Secular Society and with supporters from a broad social, political and religious spectrum. We're dedicated to an end to state funded faith schools. We would like all schools to have an inclusive community ethos, free from any religious discrimination, privilege or control.

We help people challenge new faith schools, particularly where they have discriminatory admissions rules and where there are proposals for inclusive alternatives.

Proposals are at an early stage, but it is still worth writing to your Members of the Senedd and local councillors if you live in Gwynedd. Please consider signing the petition below with a comment will help prepare our response and sign up to the newsletter to be kept up to date with developments.