THE CLOSURE of St Monica's Sixth Form comes a little closer this week as councillors meet to decide if they will grant permission for the measure. 

The intention to close the sixth form was announced by the school governors and a four-week consultation on the closure followed. 

The consultation received only 14 responses, with five opposing the decision. 

St Monica's Sixth Form opened in 2011, established on the basis of 250 pupils attending, in fact the Bury Old Road sixth form attracted only 62 pupils in its first year.

The number of admissions in September 2016 was just 27. 

The poor student numbers meant the funding awarded by the Department for Education was insufficient. 

Alternative arrangements have been made for those currently attending the sixth form and colleges like Holy Cross and Bury College are considered acceptable offerings for future generations. 

Closing the sixth form is not believed to have any financial implications for the council. 

No decisions have yet been made on the future of the building, however school governors have "expressed their intention to utilise the sixth form building to accommodate the needs of the school", according to the cabinet agenda. 

If St Monica’s RC High School wished to increase its capacity for 11-16 year olds a separate consultation would be needed. 

It is recommended the Bury Council Cabinet approves the request to close the sixth form at the Wednesday night meeting.