PLANS to return A-Level education to the main Forest of Dean area are a step closer with the launch of a final, wide-ranging consultation on the proposed expansion of Dene Magna School.

The decision to phase out A-level provision at Gloucester College’s Five Acre site, in order to concentrate on more technical and vocational courses when it relocates to Cinderford’s Northern Quarter, had left students facing a lengthy and expensive daily commute to other providers in Newent, Sedbury, Ross, Monmouth or Gloucester.

But the college has been working closely with Dene Magna to create a school sixth form, based at the new Northern Quarter college campus.

Surveys have shown an overwhelming desire for A-Levels to be taught through Dene Magna. An online survey with 340 responses showed that 95.9 per cent of respondents wanted A-Level provision in the central Dean area and 95 per cent supported the idea of Dene Magna leading this.

The initial plan is for A-Levels to be offered in English, maths (including further and core), chemistry, physics, biology, history, Spanish, French, PE, business, politics, sociology, psychology, technology and drama.

Julie Russell, clerk to the school governors said: "This is our proposal to increase the age range of students being taught at Dene Magna School by adding a sixth form and teaching A-Level students in the new campus building in the Northern Quarter."