26.This section replaces the intervention power in section 19 of the 1998 Act and provides the Welsh Ministers with the power to direct the closure of a school if they have the power to intervene on the basis of ground 8 (school requiring special measures). Where the Welsh Minsters direct the closure of a school under this section there is no need for a local authority to make proposals to discontinue the school under Part 3.
Commentary on Sections Part 2 - Standards Section 16 – Power of Welsh Ministers to direct closure of school