THE Sixth Form at Leigh St Mary's RC High is safe.

Wigan Metro's Education Department this week pledged its support to the highly-rated school.

They spoke out following news that the government was considering the introduction of a voucher scheme - allowing students to 'buy' courses at the school or college of their choice.

Director of Education Bob Clark said: "I want to reassure students and parents the sixth forms in Wigan Metro are here to stay."

Deputy Director of Education Malcolm Roxburgh added: "The sixth forms in the borough have a national reputation for excellence. A voucher system is, in our opinion, totally unnecessary.

"St Mary's has been providing quality education for years under the current funding system and the people of this borough recognise this by their continued support of an excellent school.

"The council will need no prompting to resist any government proposals to change the way they are funded."

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