SIXTH formers at eight schools in Newport and one in Cwmbran will be able to study an international-style qualification from this September.

Jane Davidson, the Assembly education minister, was at St Julian's School in the city yesterday when she announced that the Welsh Baccalaureate will be available to learners at 45 more centres.

Up to 3,790 new students will be able to take up the Welsh Bac which will run alongside their mainstream studies.

All Newport's comprehensive schools, including St Julians, will be offering the qualification along with Fairwater High School, Cwmbran, and Coleg Gwent.

Since 2003, young people at 31 schools and colleges have piloted the Bac, which comprises both existing qualifications, such as A levels and a range of key skills and work-focused education.

Ms Davidson said: "Once more the Welsh Bac is being met with a positive reception from learning providers all across Wales. I am delighted with the response of schools and colleges and training providers in coming forward to take up the challenge."

She said she was also encouraged that three of the applications, including the one from Newport, represented consortia of schools, local colleges and other partners.

UCAS, the universities' admission service, has awarded the Welsh Bac Advanced Level Core Certificate 120 points - equivalent to an "A" grade at A Level.

Five of the Newport schools are in the constituency of AM Rosemary Butler who said the broader qualification would help students in their search for university places and jobs.

Newport East AM John Griffiths, who was at St Julians with Ms Davidson, said: "This is the first-ever distinctly Welsh education and skills programme for 16 - 19 year olds and Newport students will be amongst the first to see the benefits.