Contractor Appointed For Sixth Form Centre
Plans to create a new £20m sixth form centre for Torfaen have moved a step closer today after the council’s cabinet approved the appointment of the main contractor to deliver the project.
The project is a key element of Torfaen’s 21st Century schools programme which seeks to transform education in the borough by ensuring children have access to an improved teaching and learning environment.
At its meeting today, cabinet were presented with the outcome of a consultation period on proposals to close the sixth forms at Croesyceiliog, St Albans and Cwmbran High School. No formal decision has been made on the closures and the process will now move to the next stage with the publication of statutory notices.
Cabinet also approved the appointment of the main contractor and a final business case will shortly be submitted to Welsh Government who will be paying 50% of the costs, with the council paying the other 50%.
If all matters are approved, the new new sixth form centre opening in September 2019.
The sixth form centre will be run by Coleg Gwent on behalf of the council and it is intended that by bringing together the existing sixth forms, Torfaen will see better retention rates, better standards of learning, and better use of resources.
The centre will deliver a mix of A and AS Level courses and the Welsh Baccalaureate along with a range of level 2 and 3 qualifications and will also cater for young people with additional learning needs.
Councillor David Yeowell, executive member for education, said:
“This is a significant milestone in our plans for transforming the provision of sixth form education in Torfaen. We are confident that our plans will ensure the best possible scope and standard of provision for learners in the borough.”
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