A new group has been set up to support Welshpool High School after it was revealed to be among the lowest-funded per pupil in Wales.

Friends of Welshpool High School, a group made up of volunteers and trustees, has been set up to provide support for the students.

The group was set up with a small board of trustees, with school governor and former town councillor Dr Geoff Lanagan serving as chair.

So far £1,870 has been raised with some of the money being used to provide Welsh language books and support pupil membership of the Urdd.

Mr Lanagan said: “As Lee Child, the best-selling author, who recently visited the school commented, the underfunding of the school is dreadful.

"He was shocked to discover that the current budget for the school library is £100 per annum which represents 13p per pupil and, furthermore, there is no budget for a librarian.

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“As a result of the school's budget deficit and general underfunding it was proposed to set up a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which would be registered with the Charity Commission specifically to support the students and High School."

The ‘Jack Reacher’ series author paid a visit to the school in June 2024 to speak to pupils and made a donation to the school’s library after hearing that their annual budget was £100 a year.

He said at the time: “It horrifies me now that we’ve got this situation where a school of this size and quality has such a pinched budget because of national politics. It’s something like 13p per pupil per year for the library. That’s shocking; it’s a scandal and it’s also stupid.”

READ MORE: Jack Reacher author Lee Child talks to Powys school pupils

Jack Reacher author Lee Child with a Welshpool High School pupil. (Image: Josh Price)

The group is currently seeking applications from people, preferably with a connection to the school or the area, who can bring additional experience and skills to the charity.

Mr Lanagan added: “The objectives are broad ranging and include fundraising and working with the Head Teacher and Board of Governors to disburse grants and awards.

“The group will be able to fundraise, apply for grant aid and accept donations from members of the public as well as local businesses.

School governor and former Welshpool Town Councillor Dr Geoff Lanagan.  (Image: Welshpool Town Council)

“The charity can offer support across a wide spectrum of activities such as the potential refurbishment of Theatre Clera which could again become available for community use.

“The Friends of Welshpool High School CIO is an ambitious project which could significantly benefit the pupils and school.”

Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to contact Mr Lanagan, Cllr Alison Davies or Cllr Graham Breeze by emailing: geoffreylanagan@yahoo.com