A COUNCILLOR is demanding "drastic change" at a Newport secondary school after it was given the lowest category in the school bandings for the second year running.

The Welsh Government released school bandings yesterday and every school was divided into one of four ratings - green for the best, then yellow, amber and red for the worst.

And Newport High School was again judged to be 'red', having previously been 'amber' in 2017.

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Bettws councillor Kevin Whitehead, who is an independent, said "change" is now needed at the site.

"This has been going on for far too long," said the 55-year-old.

"It's been in the 'red' category for two years now.

"For me as a community representative in this area I think it is time to say drastic change is needed. Change needs to happen because the school needs it."

He added: "I represent this area and I know from parents and pupils what problems the school is facing.

"It is a fantastic school with brilliant facilities. But lots of people say that bullying is a major problem which then affects pupils' work. That is just one of many things."

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Cllr Whitehead, who has represented Bettws for six years, is now demanding councillors from Bettws be invited to join the school's governing body.

He believes having "fresh blood" would improve the school's fortunes. "We need the three independent councillors of Bettws to be on the board of governors," he said.

"It is staggering that none of Bettws' councillors sit on the board.

"We can make a real difference to the school. We have heard problems facing the school from parents and pupils so we would be going in with a great deal of knowledge. I hope this is possible."

Cllr Whitehead previously called for the governing body and head teacher to resign last year after the school plunged into special measures.

A spokeswoman from Newport City Council said: "Based on feedback from Estyn and regular monitoring meetings with the school and the Education Achievement Service (EAS), the local authority is satisfied with the progress Newport High School has made since being placed in the category of special measures by Estyn.

"The school will automatically remain as ‘red’ and receive appropriate support while it remains in this category.

"Newport City Council has appointed additional governors to the school and the governing body is completing its role well. There are currently no vacancies for local authority governors on the governing body."