A SCHOOL says it is delighted to be launching the first sixth form in its 89-year history this September, at the new Gloucestershire College campus in Cinderford.

Students can now register their interest in continuing their studies with Dene Magna School – the first time A-Levels have been available in the central Forest of Dean since the former Five Acres college site stopped offering subjects in September 2017.

Year 12 students in the Coleford, Cinderford and Lydney areas have been forced to travel as far afield as Gloucester, Hartpury, Sedbury, Newent, Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye and Hereford to study over the last two years.

But the new partnership between the college and the Mitcheldean-based school means up to 100 students per year from the heart of the Forest will be able to study three subjects at A-level without having to travel so far.

Staff from Dene Magna will teach the subjects, and the school says it will offer a broad range of A-levels at the Cinderford campus, which opened last September.

A Gloucestershire College spokesperson said: “The move greatly benefits local students by further extending the quality provision of education opportunities in first class facilities.

“Year 12 students from all schools in the Forest of Dean will be able to select three subjects at A-level, with the opportunity to take four if appropriate.

“In addition to studying for key qualifications, sixth formers will also have the opportunity to partake in the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).”

New students will be taught in a “state-of-the-art sixth form area” and will also have the opportunity to fully enjoy the facilities at the Cinderford campus, including the restaurant, library and stunning grounds.

Steve Brady, headteacher at Dene Magna, said: “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. The building and surroundings at Gloucestershire College’s Cinderford campus are inspiring, calming and will only add to the experience our students will have studying there.

“It combines the atmosphere of a university campus with the benefits of a supportive school, allowing young people to thrive and mature whilst knowing they are being guided and supported.”

Gloucestershire College principal, Matthew Burgess, added: “Our strong relationship with Dene Magna is a welcome, important and strategic offering – to extend choice for all students in our Forest community and help raise attainment and aspirations.

“The feedback we have had from current students, parents, staff and the local population has been overwhelmingly positive since we opened our new Cinderford campus last year.

“Indeed applications are up 36 per cent year on year, which I am delighted with.

“By now enabling A- level provision at the campus too, students can choose whether to follow the A-level route to work and university, or to study BTECs which are widely accepted by universities, or follow a more work-based apprenticeship route.

“It’s fantastic that local students now have so many opportunities to consider and all will serve to help support population retention and growth in the Forest economy.”

Those wishing to start A-levels through the Dene Magna sixth form provision should contact the school direct by going to www.denemagnasixth.org.uk

Those interested in starting a further education course or apprenticeship with Gloucestershire College in September should apply online at www.gloscol.ac.uk