St Ilan Comprehensive has 494 pupils

St Ilan Comprehensive School in Caerphilly has been earmarked as a possible site for setting up a sixth form for students in the area.

Governors and parents of the 494-pupil school met on Wednesday and voted in favour of applying to move the school out of Caerphilly Council's control to try to save it from closure.

This is the first time that a school in Wales is to apply for independent status since devolution in 1999.

"There have been so many rumours over the years about the school being closed," said head teacher David Bright.

"But in the last two years pupil numbers have stopped falling and the number of exclusions has gone down," he said.

The parents I have spoken to have expressed their support David Bright, head teacher

"The school is really improving. But the rumours have resurfaced and parents are understandably concerned about their children's education.

"We have got parents who are making choices now about their children who will start in 2003 but will not take their GCSE's until 2008.

"They want to know that the school will still be there when their children sit the exams," he said.

Mr Bright said that parents and teachers were backing their move to opt out of local authority control.

"The parents I have spoken to have expressed their support.

"The staff are also very supportive - 45 staff voted in favour to three against.

"We have a young and vibrant staff who are achieving great things," he added.

Consultation

He said the proposals to make the change from a community to foundation school would be put out to consultation within the next few weeks.

If any objections are made about the plans, the final decision will be made by the Welsh Assembly.

The move has come as a report into the regeneration of Caerphilly is discussed.

The report, compiled by an external agency, suggests closing eight sixth forms in the area and setting up a dedicated centre.

The agency suggests using St Ilan Comprehensive in Caerphilly as the new venue.

It has also recommended closing Bedwellty Comprehensive School in Aberbargoed.

The report is currently being scrutinised under a consultation process.

BBC News Online are waiting from a response from Caerphilly Council.