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The Welsh Assembly Government has asked all 22 local authorities to find ways to deliver a wider variety of both traditional academic and more practical vocational courses from the age of 16 in a bid to increase student numbers.

Most councils are proposing improved collaboration between Sixth Forms and Further Education colleges. But five - including Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Rhondda Cynon Taff, as well as Merthyr - are looking at more far-reaching proposals.

One such radical solution is on offer at The Works in Ebbw Vale, the massive 200-acre site that has been reclaimed for development following the closure of the town's steelworks in 2002.

Part of Blaenau Gwent council's vision for the site involves new primary and secondary schools for the town and a new, post-16 institution serving the whole of local authority. Steve Bard is the council's executive member for education.

"Everywhere in Wales we have a falling birth rate and we have lower numbers of young people in education. If we don't do something we're going to have schools that are in real problems with viability of their Sixth Forms."

"This is a real opportunity to have a larger unit in purpose-built facilities, really wide set of options to as many students as possible."

"We believe that we can provide a really strong education, real futures for the young people here in Blaenau Gwent."

But to achieve the council's vision the four sixth forms in the borough would have to close.

The largest - with some 230 pupils - lies just a few miles from The Works at Brynmawr Foundation School. Head teacher James Retallick views that prospect with some concern.

"If you were to ask any of the parents they would be very disappointed if this school lost its Sixth Form. It does form part of the school's character."

"For example we do operate a buddy scheme, a lot of our Sixth Formers are helpers in our youth club. That is the type of provision that would not be available in a Further Education setting."

Brynmawr's concern is that the current proposals are for the new institution to be run by the local FE provider, Coleg Gwent. Its answer is to run the enterprise itself or together with other local schools.

Blaenau Gwent is currently considering those ideas. What happens next could hinge on legal interpretations of Brynmawr's unusual status as a foundation school, which puts it outside of direct council control.

Lyn Elias is chairman of Brynmawr's governors. He believes that, as the law stands, the council and Welsh Assembly Government ministers can't demand the closure of its Sixth Form.

"We have taken advice from a top-class solicitor in education and a QC and at this moment of time we are on the right side of the law. It could possibly go to a judicial review."

"We're concerned about the standard of education that's going to be in the new building in Ebbw Vale and who provides that standard of education. We only want the best."

Blaenau Gwent council argues that its plans will provide the best for the most and that it does have the powers to realise its vision. It hopes to put out proposals for formal consultation in the coming weeks.