An intensive study into the future of education in the Teifi Valley has recommended that a new 3-19 school is built in the Llandysul area - the first of its kind in Wales.

The move would mean the closure of Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi and five feeder primary schools – Llandysul, Coedybryn, Aberbanc, Pontsian and Capel Cynon.

The new multi million pound Welsh medium school – part funded by the Welsh Assembly – would include sport and leisure facilities that would be also be available to the community.It is also recommended that they are open from 8am to 6pm to provide out of school childcare plus include special centres for additional learning needs.

The report was carried out by independent education experts Alun Charles and Cefin Campbell under the chairmanship of Lord Elystyn Morgan.

A similar scheme is also being proposed for the Tregaron area.

The team have spent four months in discussions with schools, parents, governors and other stakeholders such as Welsh language groups.

“We considered carefully many opinions and the standpoint of others,” said Mr Campbell.

And Mr Charles said “People's loyalty to their school and local community has made a great impression on us. But nearly everybody in both areas accept that some change has to happen.”

The report's findings were presented to a public meeting in Llandysul last Wednesday. Local people now have a few weeks to comment on the study before it is presented to Ceredigion's Cabinet.

“These are only recommendations not decisions,” said Mr Charles. “The county council will make the decisions.”