PLANS to expand Great Torrington School into a sixth form have been rejected, but governors are still considering appealing the decision.

Deputy head teacher Mike Clarke said Devon County Council's decision was a "big disappointment for pupils, parents, staff and governors".

From September, 2011, the school wanted to start running courses giving 80 students up to the age of 18 the opportunity to participate in specialised diplomas in environment and land-based studies, sport and active leisure, society, health and development and travel and tourism.

However, the plans proved controversial in the Northern Devon education community with Mark Juby, principal of Pilton Community College in Barnstaple, and David Dodd, principal of Petroc, objecting to the idea.

Concerns were raised Torrington's new courses could diminish uptake at Petroc, leaving the existing college with economically unviable courses.

Mr Clarke said he was not surprised by the refusal and school governors were currently looking at the possibility of appealing the decision.

He said: "The school's proposals have been overtaken by the financial constraints and political changes that are taking place.

"We had tried to make the proposals small scale, value for money and high quality and we would like to thank all those who helped prepare the proposals and supported us.

"The proposals would have improved the range of courses available to young people in North Devon but the local authority clearly felt that they could not support them."

He said the school still believes that it has much to offer for post-16 students and its work has highlighted the lack of environmental and land based courses in North Devon which still needs to be addressed.

He added: "We will continue to work with our partners in North Devon to widen choice and extend opportunities for all young people."

The schools plans were supported by Duchy College and Bicton College.

In October, 2008, a school governors' survey indicated 93 per cent of parents believed their children should have the right to a choice of attending Great Torrington School after the age of 16.

The governors had planned to use free classrooms already on the school premises as well as industrial training units at Hatchmoor, new teaching facilities planned for RHS Rosemoor and local employers for work placements, meaning there was no need for additional buildings.

● See Comment — page 44.