Principal Rick Gervasoni said the school council had endorsed a plan to shut the year 11 and 12 Barkly Street site and instead convert Wendouree and Ballarat East campuses to stand alone year 7 to 12 campuses.

Mr Gervasoni said current year 10 students would complete their year 12 at Barkly but current year 9 students would now stay at their current campuses.

He said it was hoped most Barkly teachers would be employed at the other two sites, but could not say if there would be some job losses.

He said $6 million funding committed by the Labor government during the campaign would be used to help expand and modernise the campuses.

"We think it's a positive step forward and it's a response to what the two campuses told us they want in terms of a delivery model," Mr Gervasoni said.

"The Labor government has committed $3 million to each campus in its first budget and that fits nicely with the move back to year seven to 12 campuses. It's a good way to start off knowing we have that funding."

He said parent review sessions had shown there was a desire for locally-based schools that were closer to their local communities.

"They like the idea of a year 7 to 12 education, with no transition at the end of year 10.

"It will also support students more in their senior years, with greater continuity in student learning with the teachers having worked with them through their younger years."

Mr Gervasoni said no decision had been made on the future of the Barkly Street building, with discussions currently underway with the Education Department.

"By and large, enrolments told the story. Enrolments have gone down over the years and we are responding to what seems to be the preference."

He said BSC was also still investigating offering an International Baccalaureate program, which is an international, holistic learning program, at middle school level.

BSC had been facing declining enrolments which restricted learning opportunities the school could offer, with Ballarat having the second highest proportion of students attending non-government schools in Australia.

The multi-campus school was formed 21 years ago from the merger of Wendouree, Midlands and Ballarat East secondary colleges.

fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au