'Sixth form must be kept' (From Gazette Series)

'Sixth form must be kept'

THE FIGHT to save a threatened school sixth form gained further support this week as Conservative representatives joined the campaign.

Gloucestershire county councillor Basil Booth (Berkeley Vale) joined forces with Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Stroud Neil Carmichael to devise a plan to save Vale of Berkeley College sixth form.

Consultation on the council's review of sixth form provision closed on Monday. It is expected a decision will be announced on Friday, March 5.

The council is looking at post-16 provision within the southern part of Gloucestershire area, which encompasses Rednock in Dursley, Katharine Lady Berkeley's, Wotton-under-Edge, Stroud College and The Vale of Berkeley College.

One of the possibilities for reform is the closure of the Vale of Berkeley sixth form.

The two Conservative representatives contributed to the consultation by helping formulate an official party opposition response to the review.

This categorically rejects the closure plans. It calls for the council to take into account the number of students who will be put off post-16 education if the closure goes ahead.

Cllr Booth, who is opposed to closure, stated: "The council must recognise that closing the sixth form will stop a lot of students continuing their education post-16 and reduce choice in our area. I hope it will see the sense in our arguments."

The response also outlines the possible risk that closing the sixth form may undermine the viability of the whole school.

The plan calls for a partnership arrangement with nearby schools, so that Vale of Berkeley's range of vocational options can be opened up to more students.

Mr Carmichael said he hopes the objections to closure are heard.

"I continue to support the excellent work of the staff and governors at the Vale of Berkeley," he added. "I hope our submission plays its part in staving off the risk of closure."