PARENTS and carers of pupils from two Torfaen schools set to close next year will be receiving letters from next month about their children’s future educational choices.

Abersychan Brynteg Nursery and Victoria Primary schools were originally planned for closure in September 2017 but last year, Torfaen council’s cabinet agreed to keep them open for another year due to delays in the process.

The closure, which is part of the 21st Century Schools programme, will see the students moving onto Cwmffrwdoer and Garnteg primary schools which will be expanding their roll.

Pupils will be starting at both of the closing schools in this academic year, but it will be the final one offered at the two establishments.

Parents and carers are able to apply to move their children before July 2018, ahead of the closure of the two schools in Abersychan.

A Torfaen council spokesman said: “The children will start at both schools in September but if parents of new or existing learners look to transfer them before, then that is their right if they can find a place available.”

In September and October of this year, letters will be distributed from Torfaen council which will allow parents and carers from the two schools to make their choices about their preferred school options.

This will apply to children already at the schools and to children who would have been going to either institution from September 2018.

To ensure a “smooth transition” between the four schools, the council will be offering activities throughout the academic year such as joint projects, open days and transition days, which the schools will have the details for.

The issue of safe routes to school, which was a key part of the campaigners’ battle to keep the establishments open will be looked into with a consultation taking place in 2018.

It will apply to students who do not have a safe walking route to the schools which will replace Brynteg and Victoria.

The decision to close the two schools was made in February 2016, when the cabinet voted seven to one in favour of shutting Brynteg and Victoria.

Campaigners to keep the schools open launched a judicial review into the decision, but failed in their bid.

Information on the developments are at torfaen.gov.uk.