Youngsters with additional education needs who go on to sixth form at Crowdys Hill School could be studying at the New College, Swindon campus in North Star from September.

A report to Swindon Borough Council’s new Labour cabinet, which meets next week, proposes moving the sixth form element of the school from its current location in Jefferies Avenue in Upper Stratton to the larger campus in North Star.

And the point is to free up more space at the school in Jefferies Avenue so it can take on more pupils between the ages of four and 16.

The report to members of the cabinet says: “Crowdys Hill School is very popular with parents and is operating at full capacity with requests from parents to attend. The school recognises the important role that parents play in the life of the school.

“Swindon has seen a large increase in the number of children who would struggle with the challenge of attending a mainstream school setting.”

At the end of the current school year there are 271 pupils at the school, with 48 in the sixth form.

The council expects next year’s sixth form to have 54 pupils, but if they are based at New College Swindon, that will allow 263 pupils to attend at the main school.

The new sixth form will have a capacity of 72, and the main school one of 271 places.

The report says: “Increasing demand for places for children and young people with social, communication and language needs and Attention-deficit hyperactivity show that demand for school places will continue to increase.”

It says that many Crowdys Hill sixth formers go on to study at New College, Swindon: “This proposal will allow children and young people to move to the same campus where these foundation courses are taught, encouraging a smooth transition between school and college.

“Sixth form students will have access to college facilities such as the learning resource centres, while being with their peers, and staff with whom they are familiar.

“Continued cohesion between the main school site and the sixth form is planned, including regular visits for timetabled activities and whole school celebrations.”

The report says a public consultation shows 84 per cent of 61 respondents are supportive of the plan, with negative comments being focused on the lack of time for students to prepare for the change.

The initial move will cost £300,000, and the council will pay rent to New College Swindon of £60,000 a year.