THE LATEST designs for further education in the Forest have been unveiled.

Although plans for the independent sixth form college being developed by Gloucestershire College and Dene Magna School are still in the early stages, the designs have been released to give local people an idea of what the campus could look like.

The £14m is proposed as part of the Cinderford Northern Quarter development and would provide a new centre for academic and vocational further education.

The 7,200m2 site, which will be built to high energy efficient standards, consists of a vocational training college, a sixth form centre, and a central area providing dining, social and teaching functions for both the college and the wider community.

It will include a 'touchdown zone'; an open plan stepped area suitable for large groups. Possible uses for this space would include lectures from visiting speakers, assemblies and film clubs.

Alongside A Levels in the joint Sixth Form, vocational curriculum areas on offer at the new campus will include art, beauty and holistic therapies, business, catering, computing, construction and building services, hairdressing, healthcare and early years, fashion, foundation studies, med­ia, motor vehicle, music, outdoor adventure, photography and teacher training.

Work on the new sustainable campus, subject to planning applications, is due to start next spring and is scheduled to be completed by August 2015.

Lynne Craig, Royal Forest of Dean campus site principal said: "There is still a long way to go, but our key focus is to create a fantastic modern FE learning environment to help learners in the Forest of Dean to reach their full potential."

Head of Dene Magna Steve Brady said: "We are delighted that the months of hard work have culminated in a design for a new college that will bring the very best education to the Forest of Dean.

"The journey to this point has been exhilarating for all parties and we are excited about realising our dreams and ensuring that we are part of the very best sixth form provision for the area."

The artist impressions are being released ahead of ground investigation work due to start soon and a planning application is expected to be submitted next year.

The designs are available to view online at http://www.gloscol.ac.uk/newcampus">www.gloscol.ac.uk/newcampus