Town Forum hears of 80-pupil "learning zones" for new High School

This brought a mixed reaction from representatives of town organisations gathered at the De La Warr Pavilion.

A teacher told Matt Eades, project manager for East Sussex County Council: "My experience is that 30 children in one place are noisy, but 80? I just wonder if that has been taken into account."

Mr Eades said there were several versions of the concept operating successfully in the USA and Scandinavia and some in Kent.

The noise factor would be taken into account with use of acoustic-absorbant materials.

A forum member said a similar scheme at Milton Keynes 25 years ago resulted in "bedlam."

But another questioner said her children had gone to a school which operated the system. Each had gone on to university successfully.

Questions from forum members included car parking provision at the Gunters Lane site.

A High School governor told the meeting: "I must admit I am very excited about a new concept, thinking in this way.

"It is probably the biggest thing to hit this town for many many years. "

The impact on the community would be considerable because the new facilities would be available to the whole community.

Mr Eades said these would include a four-badminton court sports hall, dance and drama area and a small theatre.

The vocational skills centre to be built at the Down Road site would offer engineering, construction, hairdressing and beauty courses for between 180 and 200 pupils.

The second public consultation exhibition on the project will be held at the High School's Gunters Lane site on Wednesday from4pm to 7pm. A third is now planned for April.

It is hoped to have the new 1,650-place school built by September 2010.