A NEW dedicated sixth form college is being proposed for the Forest as a collaboration between Gloucestershire College and Dene Magna school.

The unique partnership would see an establishment jointly run by both organisations in order to provide excellent A-level provision for school leavers in the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas.

The brand new Sixth Form Centre would ensure a smooth transition for school leavers, and utilising all of the resources from both establishments, would complement progression routes onto further and higher education study or employment, says a Gloucestershire College spokesman.

The proposal includes the creation of a separate building on the new Gloucestershire College site with both partners having a joint responsibility for delivering curriculum and creating a positive, academic, Sixth Form College culture with a focus on teaching and learning, pastoral care and progression.

Lynne Craig, site principal for the Gloucestershire College RFD Campus, said: "This exciting collaboration would create a dedicated academic Sixth Form Centre in the Forest of Dean, giving schools leavers a fantastic option for A-level study in the Forest of Dean.

"The Centre would benefit from the best practice of both partners, in order to provide expert teaching in a dedicated Sixth Form environment with a commitment to offering student one to one support and careers guidance to ensure they get exactly what they need to succeed."

Steve Brady, head teacher at Dene Magna, said: "We have always had an interest in A-level provision at Dene Magna and feel excited by the partnership we have developed with Gloucestershire College.

"The plans we are developing will take the best practice which exists at Dene Magna and Gloucestershire College and will focus upon delivering the very best A-level experience for young people in the Forest of Dean. 

"We are naturally excited at the prospect of being involved in shaping this new facility and contributing toward the continued regeneration of the Forest of Dean."

Members of staff at both organisations have been briefed on the proposal.