A new Gerrards Cross sixth form has taken its next step towards opening as the latest plans for the site have been approved.

Thorpe House School is opening the co-educational sixth form at Westminster House on 70 Packhorse Road after receiving permission to convert the building.

The school will welcome the first cohort of 20 to 25 Year 12 students to its new site next month, coinciding with its centenary year.

Westminster House is a Grade II listed building on the corner of South Park, which formerly housed a former Barclays Bank.

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Buckinghamshire Council has now approved Thorpe House School’s latest proposals to convert the building for educational use.

Planners said the applicant could put up a hanging sign and plaque featuring the school crest and reading: ‘Creating your future’.

A spokesperson for the school said: “The new sixth form will be selective, offering first class Key Stage 5 teaching, with an emphasis on academic achievement, the development of key life skills, leadership and exploration, extended pastoral care and, bespoke and tailored university and careers guidance.

“We will build on our core strength as a welcoming small school that knows our students and their families well, where our staff go the extra mile to create opportunities, encourage success, exceed expectations and prepare each student for their next step.”