EDUCATION chiefs have refused to confirm or deny rumours that a school in Yate could face closure.

The Gazette has been investigating reports that King Edmund Community School has been earmarked for closure due to falling pupil numbers.

South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member for education Cllr Sheila Cook told the Gazette: "We are required to look at the provision of education for 14-19 years, particularly sixth forms in the area.

"At this moment in time there will be no schools closing. In any event, the first people to be informed of any changes will be parents, pupils and teachers."

King Edmund, in Sundridge Park, last year had 750 pupils on its roll. It recently received specialist status in business and sports and now offers vocational courses, such as beauty therapy and motor engineering.

Attempts to contact headteacher Liz Shawhulme proved futile and the Gazette was eventually told to contact the education department at South Gloucestershire Council.

A spokesman said: "During 2004 the local Learning and Skills Council undertook a strategic area review of 14-19 educational provision across its area, which includes South Gloucestershire.

"There are a number of emerging issues from this review which the education authority and Learning and Skills Council have been considering in the context of the OFSTED inspection of 14-19 education in South Gloucestershire, which was carried out in autumn, 2004.

"In the Yate and Chipping Sodbury area in particular these considerations need to take into account the current and projected pupil numbers, which are falling.

"Early informal discussions have taken place between schools, local councillors, the education authority and the Learning and Skills Council.

"It is anticipated that a report will be taken in March to the executive councillor for children and young people about whether to undertake consultation on possible changes to future provision in the area."

Patricia Gardener, Labour's Parliamentary spokeswoman for South Gloucestershire, said she would be appalled if the school were to close.

"I visited the school fairly recently and was extremley impressed by the the calibre of the young people," she said.

"I'm amazed by this because it was my understanding that the school was in line for extra Government funding of around £2 million for a new technology building.

It would be very stange to be considering closing a school where money had been allocated for improvements.

"We shouldn't be closing community schools like this. We should be enhancing them."