Public consulted over new Academy

Central Technology College would merge with Bishop's College

Proposals for a new Academy school in Gloucester are to go before the public over the next two months.

In October the county council revealed that a government report recommended the closure of three county schools, to be replaced by an academy.

Bishops' College and Central Technology College in the city would merge, and the Vale of Berkeley College, Wanswell, would close.

Discussion sessions at the schools will begin on 23 November.

'Everyone affected'

An online petition and comment page will be launched by Gloucestershire County Council on 19 November.

Council director of learning and development, Jo Grills, said: "We understand that school changes don't just affect the pupils.

"We have to respond to the Schools Secretary Ed Balls, and we want to get everyone's views before we do that."

The 300-pupils at Vale of Berkeley College would be transferred to nearby schools.

The headteacher has vowed to fight closure plans.