A DIVIDE has opened between the two main players involved in Torfaen's £21 million super-school plan.

Education chiefs are at odds as to whether the new school, proposed for a site just outside Pontypool, should have a sixth form.

The new learning centre, possibly built using PFI funding, would replace both Abersychan and Trevethin schools.

Torfaen's executive member for education, Councillor John Turner (pictured) is adamant there is no need for a sixth form.

But he admits his director for education Mike de Val, and the heads of both schools involved see it differently.

He said: "Right from the first round of discussions the proposal was for an 11-16 school. I really do think it's something that's been decided by the council. "The real issue here is the renewal of two ageing schools."

He added that any reopening of the issue would have to be sanctioned by cabinet. A spokesperson for the council stressed it was up to councillors to decide on policy and on how to use the "professional advice" offered by chief officers.

There is currently a divide in Torfaen's sixth form provision. Schools in the south have sixth forms, but only St Albans offers the facility in the north of the borough.

Councillor Turner believes any more provision by other schools in the north would be unsustainable, as Coleg Gwent also has a sixth form, and the college recently unveiled £4.5 million plans for a revamp.

"Why should we change a system which seems to work reasonably well," he said. But he added sixth form provision across the borough should be open for discussion, and welcomed a decision by the education scrutiny committee to look into it.

Both Peter Scott and Royston Toon, the heads of Abersychan and Trevethin respectively, said there was a pressing need to discuss the issue of a sixth form at the new school. The head of West Mon Comprehensive, Pontypool, Peter Phillips, said his school should have, and could sustain, a sixth form.

"I believe that to be in the best interests of the learner, the local community and the curriculum," he said.

He added Torfaen's "somewhat divisive" situation between the north and the south should be made more equal.