By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Talks are underway over the future of a Gloucestershire high school which is in a poor state of repair.
Forest High School in Cinderford could be transferred to a new education trust later this year.
It is understood that discussions have taken place between South Gloucestershire and Stroud Academy Trust (SGS), who run the site, and Greenshaw Learning Trust.
Greenshaw runs Five Acres High School near Coleford and it is understood they are considering taking on the school.
The transfer, if agreed, would be done with a view for a new school to be built amid hopes this would be done by 2030.
The trustees of SGS are understood to be voting on the issue this month.
More than 700 people have backed a petition set up by Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop last month who is calling for Government funding for a new building for Forest High School in Cinderford.
The Labour MP said in his petition that serious concerns have been raised regarding the condition of the current building.
And that urgent work is needed to keep the school operational and safe for pupils and staff.
“Students and teachers deserve to learn and work in a safe, modern and inspiring environment,” he said.
“The current situation is unacceptable and risks failing an entire generation of young people in our area.”
The petition calls for funding for a new school to be granted as a matter of urgency.
And to work with local leaders to secure the long-term future of Forest High and ensure pupils in the Forest of Dean are given the same opportunities and learning environment as children elsewhere in the country.
“Our children deserve better,” the petition reads
“Children in Cinderford and the Forest of Dean deserve better. Save Forest High School.”
Greenshaw and SGS have been approached for comment.
“The Trust has been working with the Department for Education on the future of the schools in the trust and at this stage no formal decisions have been made,” a spokesperson for SGS previously said when asked about the potential of the Cinderford site closing.
“The Trust has been investing in the school site to provide the best education for children and there is no plan to relocate the children in the school to a different site.”