ALL secondary school pupils who currently attend Ebbw Vale and Glyncoed comprehensives will be transferred to Blaenau Gwent’s new three to 16 school in September 2013, in a move that could save the council more than £600,000.

When the closure of Ebbw Vale and Glyncoed comprehensives was announced it December 2010, it was proposed pupils would have a staggered move to the newthree to 16 school on The Works site in Ebbw Vale.

Those going into year nine in September 2013 would attend the new school, while those going into years eight, nine and 11 would remain at their comprehensives until September 2014.

But a report due to go before Blaenau Gwent council’s executive committee and the education commissioners – who are responsible for the borough’s education department after a damning Estyn inspection last year – on Wednesday proposes moving all secondary school pupils to the new school from September next year.

Primary school pupils from Pontygof and Waunllwyd primary schools would still start at the school from September 2012.

This change could cut the cost of the transition from at least £703,850 to less than £100,000.

Savings include the fact transportation costs between The Works, Ebbw Vale and Glyncoed will no longer be required, and the Ebbw Vale Sports Centre could be closed because pupils will have access to the new sports facilities on The Works site.

Other benefits would include less travelling time for staff, the other school sites could be declared surplus sooner, and the teachers will be able to take advantage of the three-16 school earlier.

However, there are concerns about the disruption the move of all students might cause to Year 11 pupils, who will be in the middle of their GCSE studies.

The education commissioners will be asked to approve plans to consult with key players over the new transitional proposals.