Pledge to include schools in tertiary college proposals

County councillors were discussing the proposal to create a four-site tertiary college, which would include a new college in Hastings to replace school sixth forms, with the aim being to boost results and participation.

This may either be in the town centre or on the Helenswood upper school site.

The other colleges would be at HCAT, in Bexhill and at Battle and each would have their own governors, but with an overarching management running finance and timetabling.

The proposal was prepared by the project board running the review on behalf of the Sussex Learning and Skills Council, which funds post-16 education, and the county council.

Rupert Simmons, cabinet member for education, said schools would have a big say in how the colleges were run.

He said: "I am absolutely determined that whatever takes place here all 10 schools have an involvement at board of governance level at whatever institution we might create."

Jay Kramer, Labour spokesman for education, said the ruling Conservative cabinet had taken on board some of the views expressed in earlier consultations.

She said: "They have listened to concerns and responded so we are pleased that that is happening."

The Labour group oppose a college at Battle, which they see as creating a sixth form at Claverham while closing them in Hastings schools.

They want the schools to totally run any new college.

Conservative cllr Matthew Lock, who is also a governor at William Parker, said he has been receiving between 10 and 12 emails a day from parents about the review.

He said: "One of the main concerns is the lack of information, but also the pastoral care that teachers give in the schools.

"A lot are saying that they are taking away choice."

Cabinet recommended to further develop the four college proposal at the meeting.

The developmental stage will continue until Christmas and during this time the impact on schools and colleges will be assessed, and informal consultations take place with students, teachers, parents and other interested parties.

Cllr Simmons said the project board must demonstrate it will raise standards and increase participation and that funding is available for any changes before the proposal can be given the go-ahead. A final decision on any changes may be made by the secretary of state for education next summer.

Labour tried to get the recommendation deferred to full council, but that was refused by cabinet.

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