A MASSIVE thumbs up has been given to plans for a faith-based secondary school - the first in South Gloucestershire.

A survey of residents has revealed 91 percent of people are in favour of the idea for a school which would emphasise religion.

The school would be based in Emerson's Green and would be joint Anglican and Roman Catholic.

A decision was due to be announced by the region's education chief today and if the school gets the go ahead, it would be a partnership between South Gloucestershire Council and the Dioceses of Clifton and Bristol.

The proposals have, however, already caused controversy within some circles amidst fears that it would lead to splits in the community.

Yate town councillor Chris Willmore has previously said that the school would be divisive.

Speaking at a town council meeting, she said: "Emerson's Green is not like here in Yate where, if one secondary school became faith-based, children in the town would still have a choice to go somewhere different.

"Some parents and children do not wish to have a faith school education. They will have to take their children out of the community to go to other schools."

"I think it will be divisive - it will force some members of the community to leave it."

The survey was carried out by South Gloucestershire Council, which received 675 responses of which nine out of ten backed the idea.

The results are being seen as a step in the right direction for the new school and have been welcomed by the council's education supremo, Cllr Sheila Cook (Con, Almondsbury).

She said: "I am very encouraged that we have received such a positive response to the consultation and it is clear that there is very strong support for this school.

"It is an exciting proposal because it would enable the council to provide a choice, which is currently not available, and ensure we can meet the needs of the local community for more school places into the future."

Cllr Cook is expected to approve the school in principle and supporters are hoping it will be built as soon as possible.

The knock-on effect of the school on other towns throughout the area is not yet known.

Cllr Mike Drew (Lib Dem, Yate West) said it will effect Yate. He said: "It is an issue and it does effect us - schools in Yate are concerned about it."

He said children whose parents do not want them to go to the new school will have "no particular right to go elsewhere" and may find the closest school which will accept them in Yate.

Other councillors say faith-based education is the cheapest and fastest way to secure funding for a new school.