Schools back two-college site bid

The sixth form college is currently located in Shrewsbury town centre

Head teachers from three Shropshire secondary schools have backed plans for two colleges to co-locate.

Shrewsbury College and Shrewsbury Sixth Form College are hoping to move to a large new £60m campus in London Road, but the plans have met with opposition.

The schools, in Pontesbury, Church Stretton and Baschurch, said they fear the strong education case for the plans is being lost through other issues.

But they approve of the plans as they already work closely with the colleges.

However, a Sixth Form college governor said students, businesses and parents are opposed to the proposals.

Some reports suggest London Road won't be a viable option for rural students who currently attend the sixth form college, what we're saying is that it already is Janet Brown, Mary Webb School

In December, students opposed to the plans staged a protest in Shrewsbury and were joined by Conservative MP Daniel Kawczynski.

But John Allin from Church Stretton School, Janet Brown from Mary Webb School in Pontesbury and Bob Thompson from the Corbet School in Baschurch said the co-location would benefit students.

Janet Brown said: "Some reports suggest London Road won't be a viable option for rural students who currently attend the sixth form college, what we're saying is that it already is."

John Allin, from Church Stretton School added: "We already work closely with both colleges and have established a number of school vocational courses held at Shrewsbury College.

"These courses are a good preparation for post-16 education and work. Pupils enjoy the variety of experience and the responsibility of getting to a different venue."