FEARS that a document planning future provision of a-levels was going to close school sixth forms by the “back door” will go back for further discussion at an overview and scrutiny committee.

Full council discussed a “Memorandum of Understanding” between Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire College which follows last year’s u-turn, in light of public opposition, to removing sixth forms from both Haverfordwest schools.

Cabinet member for education Cllr David Lloyd told council on Thursday (July 20) the memorandum would lead to “pan Pembrokeshire” provision of a-level education,

“If endorsed it will be a strategy to deliver excellence in post 16 education in this county,” he added.

The new plan will see a new St Davids School serving three to 16-year-olds, a new Welsh school in Haverfordwest as well as a new 11 to 19 school with 11 to 16 provision remaining at Ysgol Bro Gwaun.

A levels will be provided by the A Level Centre (Campus 6), which is a collaborative arrangement between the council, the College, Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Dewi Sant.

Although welcomed by some councillors a number of concerns were raised, in particular reference to minimum class sizes of 18 for an a-level subject to be run at a school.

Cllr John Davies asked for clarification that this limit applied at the college, which it does not, leaving schools in an “unequitable” position.

Cllrs Stan Hudson and Mike Evans raised fears it would lead to the loss of sixth forms in their constituencies, Milford Haven and Tenby respectively, with Cllr Evans calling it “closure by the back door”.

Cabinet member for economy Paul Miller said: “The 18 class minimum – let’s be clear what this will do, be honest about Milford Haven, that’s the end of that, be honest about Greenhill, that’s the end of that. In my opinion this is the end of sixth form provision in many of our secondary schools.”

Councillor Paul Rapi added that an 18 class minimum would “kill a subject” such as music or arts in schools.

After much discussion about whether the 18 figure was “set in stone” or flexible it was decided by members that the memorandum should be brought to the schools and learning overview and scrutiny committee for full discussion and amendment.