THE sixth form of a Bradford school could close, with the number of pupils in its lower years being increased.

Bradford Council is consulting on proposals for a major shake-up at Carlton Bolling in Undercliffe.

If the plans are approved, the school would take on an extra 60 children in Year 7 each year, increasing its pupil admission number to 300.

The Council says the change will create “much needed” extra places for 11 to 16-year-olds in the area.

The changes would see the school’s sixth form closed from 2019 – the same year two planned sixth-form colleges are due to open in the city, which are expected to create 2,000 post-16 places.

A recent review carried out by the Department for Education on sixth-form provision proposed the creation of new tech level qualifications – equivalent to A-levels.

It is expected that schools will need additional resources to deliver these new courses, and Carlton Bolling has requested permission to close its sixth form as it is thought it would be difficult for the school to provide this new range of qualifications.

A recent Council review of post-16 education found that the district would be better served by the creation of a small number of large sixth-form colleges and a reduction in the number of small school sixth forms. The Council believes this model would be more “financially sustainable”.

The Education, Skills and Funding Agency has already approved the opening of two sixth-form colleges in Bradford, which will provide 2,000 places.

The consultation for the changes at Carlton Bolling runs until Friday, October 20. A final decision will be made by the Council’s executive in December.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s executive member for Education, Employment and Skills, said: “We are committed to ensuring we provide enough school places across the district. Carlton Bolling College is an improving school which has just moved into its new building. Allowing it to expand its intake will help to ensure we can meet the demand for places in Bradford East.”

Online responses can be made by visiting bradford.gov.uk/consultations/current-consultations/consultation-and-engagement/