Sixth form education in Arfon could be revamped as part of a major review into its future.

Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet will be asked to launch a review of post-16 education and if alternatives to traditional school sixth forms should be implemented in the north of the county.

Other than Bala and wider Penllyn, Arfon is the only area within Gwynedd where post-16 education is provided at secondary schools, with 647 pupils across six schools.

For the past quarter of a century most schools in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd have not offered sixth form facilities, with pupils attending colleges such as Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor’s campuses at Dolgellau and Pwllheli.

But while officers are adamant that no decisions have been made and are not financially driven, the review outlines challenges facing the current set-up in the more urbanised Arfon.

“Gwynedd is a rural county with a population demography who live in villages or small towns,” the post-16 education overview report notes.

“Ensuring a broad choice at individual schools, where learner numbers for some subjects are low, is an ongoing challenge.

Head of education Garem Jackson said: “The report is making a case that there actually is a case for change.

“It’s the Cabinet’s job to decide if they agree, but the report doesn’t make any recommendations, only for us to engage stakeholders in that big and open conversation.

“There are many options possible and we have a good track record of working with schools to make our courses viable, so any changes will be made in full consultation with them, bearing in mind that the needs of learners are central to the whole process.”

Cllr Cemlyn Williams, Cabinet member for education, added: “We’re not talking about something that will happen overnight.

“The process of holding meetings will take place over 12 months, but who’s to say how long it will take?

“The important thing is that we reach the right decision and the provisions we’re able to offer our students will meet my ambition of every child in Gwynedd reaching their full potential.”

Cabinet will discuss the report when it meets in Caernarfon next Tuesday, 10 March.