ENFORCED closure of a Berkeley sixth form will become a reality for pupils and staff arriving this morning as formal notices of the closure are put up outside the school.

The Gloucestershire County Council notices will inform parents of pupils at Vale of Berkeley College about proposals to close the sixth form after 2007 and to explain the procedure for making objections.

The notices will also set out the final year for admission to the sixth forms, proposed closure dates and details of how young people will receive appropriate education from the age of 16.

The decision to close the Vale of Berkeley sixth form was taken following the council's education review despite strong opposition from staff, pupils and the community.

Headteacher Michael Hardwick said the closure notices come as a further blow to pupils and staff.

"We are bitterly disappointed that the notice to close our sixth form has been published," he stated. "We believe that we have a full part to play in the south of Gloucestershire post-16 provision so that every student accesses the best education for them, wherever this is offered.

"All young people have a right to education and we still maintain that our environment is the right choice for some pupils. We are currently in talks with the local education authority, Learning Skills Council, Stroud College, Katharine Lady Berkeley's and Rednock Schools discussing how the authority's vision for collaboration will best be achieved."

Director of education Jo Davidson said: "The object of the review has always been about increasing choice, raising standards and improving opportunities for young people. The last intake into the sixth forms will be in September, 2005, so young people already in the sixth form will not be affected.

"The county council and Learning and Skills Council intend that some form of sixth form provision will continue to be delivered in these schools.

"There will be improvements in the quality and range of courses available in schools, colleges and work-based learning providers, as a result of these changes."

Comments about the closure at Vale of Berkeley College should be made in writing to The Executive Director, Education Department, Shire Hall, Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2TP.