TWO decisions on expansions proposed by Torridge schools were due to be made yesterday.

Devon County Council's cabinet was due to decide on a proposal from Great Torrington School (GTS) to establish a sixth form.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE: Lack of finance threatens Torrington Swimming Pool.

Councillors were also making a decision on Marland School's plans to create a temporary day unit for children aged from 11 to 16 with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. The Peters Marland school wants to set up a unit at Clearwater House in Bideford.

Reports from Anne Whiteley, the council's executive director of children and young people's services, recommend refusing GTS's plans, but allowing those from Marland.

GTS wants to provide a sixth form from September 2011 giving 80 students 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 have proved controversial. Mark Juby, principal of Pilton Community College in Barnstaple; David Dodds, principal of Petroc; the Devon Local Authority and an unnamed former principal of North Devon College have all raised concerns that Torrington's new courses could diminish uptake at Petroc, leaving the college with economically unviable courses.

But, Torrington's plans have been supported by Duchy College, Bicton College and an unnamed parent of a GTS student.

Concerns have also been raised about the supervision of children who may attend the new campus of Marland School.

The school, which has residential facilities at its current campus, has £100,000 of funding for building.