ABERAERON school pupils received an unexpected visit from a VIP on Thursday afternoon – Kirsty Williams, the Welsh Cabinet secretary for education.

Ms Williams spent around an hour chatting to staff and pupils at both Ysgol Gynradd Aberaeron and Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron.

“It was a privilege to meet Kirsty Williams in person,” Catrin Thomas, Ysgol Gynradd Aberaeron headteacher, told the Cambrian News.

“She spoke with pupils as well as listening and contributing to classroom discussions – she was very engaging.”

Aberaeron county councillor Elizabeth Evans said: “I was so pleased that we had the opportunity to welcome Kirsty to both our schools in Aberaeron - it gave us the chance to highlight how we are developing educational standards in primary through to secondary education and, of course, no meeting with the government secretary for education would be complete without highlighting the financial challenges we face.

“As the local councillor I also took the opportunity to show the Cabinet secretary our two portable cabins and the need for them to be replaced by an extension to Aberaeron Primary School.

“I fully understand that this is not a decision she is able to take, but the secretary for education is releasing funds to local authorities to enable small schools in Wales to build extensions to accommodate growing class sizes.”

Mrs Williams later met with the secondary school’s school council for a question and answer session.

A tour of the school followed during the lunch hour and the AM was treated to some excellent performances from pupils practising for this week’s eisteddfod.

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