Battle to save 6th form

However, campaigners fighting to save St Theodore's sixth form have vowed not to give up the battle.

And they have promised to "explore every avenue" in their bid to keep Catholic post-16 provision in the town - taking their fight to the European court if necessary.

The Building Schools for the Future plans - which will see eight new super schools replacing the existing 11 sites in Burnley and Nelson - were passed by a unanimous vote at a meeting of Lancashire County Council's Independent Schools Organisation Committee, made up of representatives of the LEA, Church of England, Roman Catholic Salford diocese, schools and the Learning and Skills Council.

Impassioned speeches to committee members from St Theodore's head John Tat, head of sixth form Francis Swarbrick and chairman of governors John Entwistle pleading for a reprieve for the college - fell on deaf ears.

One speech in favour of the plans by Rev Michael Walters, of St John's RC Church, Colne Road, was met with silence from the 200-strong crowd, made up of staff and students from St Theodore's who had travelled to County Hall in Preston to learn the fate of their sixth form.

An appeal from Friends of the Earth's Avril Hesson not to build on Towneley Park was also ignored.

In all more than 1,000 objections to the plans were registered, while just 126 people wrote in favour.

After the meeting Mr Swarbrick said: "We will explore every avenue to see where we can go from here.

"We have taken part in the democratic process and in that process you don't always get what you want, but this is not the end."

Mr Tat said: "We are disappointed that our arguments to retain Catholic sixth form provision have not been upheld because we believe St Theodore's makes a major contribution and has done for many years. There is huge strength of feeling and support for the sixth form and we will have to consider where we go from here."

County Coun Alan Whittaker, cabinet member for education, said: "This is a momentous decision for the future of education in Burnley and Pendle.

"A lot of time, money and effort has been put into the BSF project and I am delighted we can press ahead in delivering excellent facilities for the 21st century.

"We will ensure that high standards are maintained throughout schools while work is ongoing. The education of youngsters will not be compromised in any way. Our aims are to raise pupil attainment and achievement, enhance learning opportunities and promote inclusion.

"The project will provide quality education for a full spectrum of needs and our vision is to drive standards forwards.

"The county council will offer every support to pupils and teachers before the new buildings are ready."

The origins of the school revamp- in which eight existing high schools will be turned into five schools - are in the Burnley Task Force report following the Burnley riots in 2001.

The report said more had to be done to prevent white and Asian communities living in isolation and county education bosses insist the only way of making each of the new schools viable is to create catchment areas.

Under the new plans, Burnley has been divided into four quarters with each quarter housing a new school. Children will have to go to the school which serves their quarter.

In all, four new community high schools, a RC high school and a community college for 16 to 19 year olds will all be created in Burnley, while two new high schools will be created in the Nelson area of Pendle.

In Pendle, Mansfield and Edge End Highs will merge and form a new school ultimately to be based on playing fields at Bent Head to serve West Nelson and Brierfield. East Nelson will be served by a new school developed on the Walton High School site.

Each of the new community high schools will have 1,050 places, and the new RC high school will cater for 1,250 pupils.

No plans have been included for a Church of England secondary school. Pupils from Burnley will have to continue travelling to either St Christopher's CE in Accrington, or St Wilfrid's in Blackburn.