Post-16 reorganisation - schools fight back

William Parker and Helenswood Schools organised a meeting to discuss ways of opposing the proposals put forward by the Sussex Learning and Skills Council and East Sussex County Council.

The plans would see school sixth forms close to be replaced by a college in the town centre - which would be a family of four along with Hastings College, Bexhill College and a new college in Battle.

Opponents to the plans do not object to a sixth form centre being built but want the schools to run it.

In a letter to the Learning and Skills Council, received by the Observer last week, Mr Lowden, vice chairman of governors at Helenswood School, said: "From my experiences as a school governor for the past 12 years I am of a firm conviction that if these proposals go ahead, educational standards across the area will decline."

Speaking of teachers' wish to teach across the full age range he said: "I have a genuine concern that many teachers will vote with their feet and move on to other areas of the country where they can practice their craft of teaching 11-18 year olds. The proposals mention 'secondment opportunities' for school staff.

"Full time teachers at mainstream schools will be expected to work their contracted obligatory standard of hours at the school of employment and also participate in extra curricular activities, which we highly prize at Helenswood.

"So it begs the question, where are these tertiary colleges going to recruit in excess of 200 teachers, when there is a recruitment crisis, particularly for this area?"

The proposal is due to be sent to the Secretary of State for Education in January, along with letters given to the LSC by parents, teachers, students and other interested parties for and against the scheme.

For a full account of the meeting at the Phoenix Arts Centre in William Parker School last night see next Friday's Observer. l See Letters p7