A FOREST school is consulting parents over its plans to ‘host’ A-Levels at the new college in Cinderford.

Parents at Dene Magna School in Mitcheldean will also be asked for their views on the school converting to an academy in order to teach A-Levels.

The school has worked closely with Gloucestershire College – which currently does not offer A-Levels – over the proposal.

If the proposals get the go-ahead the first A-Level, students will start their courses in September next year.

There will be places for 100 students in each of Years 12 and 13 who will Dene Magna pupils and will be taught by Dene Magna staff at the college site on the Northern Quarter development.

The school’s head, Steve Brady and Chair of governors Paul Weiss, have asked parents to write to Dene Magna’s governing body to express their support for the proposal.

Gloucestershire College ended A-Level provision in the summer of 2017, citing low take-up of courses as a major factor.

Mr Brady said: “As an outstanding school, we firmly believe that the high quality teaching and learning provided here will transition very well into the next phase of key stage five teaching.

“Plans have been drawn up over the past three years, timetables created, staffing models selected and all of this has been done in conjunction with Gloucestershire College and the Regional Schools Commissioner. This has by no means been a quick decision.”

The consultation runs until Monday, April 9.