THE future is looking bright for Forest of Dean students as the green light has been given for a Dene Magna sixth form at the newly built Gloucestershire College campus in Cinderford.

It has been confirmed that from September this year, A-level education will return to the heart of the Forest.

The ongoing partnership between the college and Dene Magna will mean no more commuting for students who want to take their education to the next level.

Dene Magna School has received an outstanding grading in this year’s Ofsted report and hopes that this success will carry on for the sixth form as A-levels are re-introduced in the Forest.

Steve Brady, headteacher at Dene Magna says: “I’m delighted to officially announce our new partnership with Gloucestershire College.

“Currently students from Coleford, Cinderford and the surrounding areas were faced with travelling out of the county to study A-levels.

“Now they will be able to choose from a range of qualifications and receive outstanding guidance and support right in the centre of Forest of Dean.”

Gloucestershire College made the decision to axe A-levels in May 2017 at its Five Acres campus near Coleford ahead of the college’s move to Cinderford.

The final phase out of A-levels had left students facing a lengthy and expensive daily commute to other providers in Newent, Sedbury, Ross, Monmouth or Gloucester.