A VALLEYS secondary school is fighting education chiefs' plans to increase the number of pupils it can take.

Caerphilly council were meeting later today to decide whether to start a formal consultation on re-calculating the standard numbers of pupils that can be taken in by secondary schools in the county borough.

It the standard number was increased, it would mean Blackwood Comprehensive could take an extra 12 pupils each year, making a total intake of 210 a year.

It would take the school capacity from 990 to 1,050 over five years.

But head teacher Mike Pickard told the Argus that although an extra 12 pupils did not sound a lot, the school was already over-subscribed.

"The governors wish to oppose this in terms of the effect on class sizes, our ability to provide extra support to those with special educational needs and the physical accommodation at the school," he said, adding that the school's recent inspection report had commented on the accommodation problems.

Mr Pickard said the governors would take their objections to the National Assembly if necessary.

Blackwood Comprehensive's governors say that increasing the standard number without providing significant extra staffing and accommodation would have a "seriously detrimental effect" on the educational standards and quality of teaching at the school.

In a letter to the school they also raise concerns over increased pressure on crowded school corridors, inadequate toilet facilities and canteen facilities.

Kevin Etheridge, one of the governors and a Blackwood councillor, added: "This is totally unacceptable. Parents and governors should raise their concerns."

Newbridge Comprehensive, which could take another 48 children a year under the re-calculations, has also expressed concern.

A letter from head teacher Allan Raybould was sent to the council, saying the school already has around 1,000 pupils on its roll and that accommodation is already overstretched.

Oakdale Comprehensive is opposing the raising of the standard number for Newbridge on the grounds that it could exacerbate falling rolls at surrounding schools.

Members of Caerphilly council's cabinet are to discuss the issue this afternoon and will decide whether to go to public notice.

A report says that in the view of officers, the capacity calculation formula is out of date and "needs to be updated to reflect a modern curriculum and to account for new legislation".