RADICAL options for education in Monmouthshire including the merging of two secondary schools and the establishment of sixth form centres are contained in a report going to special meeting of council leaders next week.

Members of the cabinet will be asked to approve an outline programme for transforming education and skills in the county when they meet on Thursday.

Five options are contained in the report.

* maintain existing sixth forms with some joint timetabling * establishing four 11-16 schools and a single sixth form centre in association with Coleg Gwent * establishing two joint sixth form centres, one in the north of the county and one in the south * progressively re-model the four existing secondary schools with separate post-16, adult and community learning centres * establish a single secondary school in the south of the county According to the report, this latter option of merging Caldicot and Chepstow comprehensives would address the falling number of pupils in that part of Monmouthshire.

Arguments for and against all the options are addressed in the report.

It is proposed that a more detailed plan is produced following consultation and agreement by the county council, stakeholders and the Assembly.

A spokesman for the county council said: “All local authorities in Wales have been asked to consider options for post 16 provision for education and skills. This report outlines possible options for Monmouthshire.

"If cabinet agrees the report, the Learning Partnership within Monmouthshire will consider all options in the new year, before deciding any final option.”

The Learning Partnership is made up of representatives of various relevant organisations including the council, the secondary schools, Coleg Gwent and Careers Wales Gwent.