Government calls for more work on educational challenges in Hastings and Rother

In asking for further work to be undertaken, the DfES recognises the strategic vision of the proposal and the intention to raise participation and achievement levels among young people in Hastings and Rother, because of deficiencies in some of the local post-16 provision.

In principle, it supports plans to close sixth forms at Thomas Peacocke, Hillcrest, The Grove and Filsham Valley Schools. Furthermore, the DfES agrees Hastings College of Arts and Technology should relocate to sites in Hastings town centre with a significant investment in new resources.

However, it has asked LSC Sussex to reconsider whether a full reorganisation of post-16 education across Hastings and Rother is needed to raise standards and increase choice for adult learners.

In particular, Jacqui Smith MP, Minister of State for Schools and 14 '“ 19 Learners, has asked LSC Sussex to investigate how a modified proposal which would retain sixth form provision at Helenswood School, William Parker School and Bexhill College, could raise standards of achievement and increase participation and choice for adult learners.

The Minister has asked LSC Sussex to work with partners to develop a modified proposal under these terms which would address the deficiencies in post-16 education. The proposal would need to cover funding arrangements, collaboration between all parties and setting targets to raise participation and attainment.

Henry Ball, Executive Director of LSC Sussex, said: "While we respect the decision of the DfES, we are disappointed these improvements for students and adult learners will be put on hold while we look at this further option.

"Exam results remain below the county and national average, student numbers in school sixth forms are still declining and nearly 50% of school-leavers had inadequate qualifications to study Advanced Level courses.

"We believed '“ and the majority of schools and colleges agreed with us - that our proposal offered the right balance of choice, opportunity and accessibility for all students in the area. It also tackled below-average performance and would have reduced the number of students leaving the area altogether to continue their sixth form education, and the significant numbers not continuing in education or training at all.

"Any revised proposal would need to be clear how it would address these serious problems, while having a strong focus on raising standards, which we know to be a key priority of the government.

"Crucially, we must now seek to preserve as much as we can of the 53 million funding pledged for our proposals which, in turn, would help in the regeneration of Hastings and Rother.

"This funding was secured specifically for our proposals for post-16 education, so it is now unclear how much of that money will be available for alternative plans."

Under LSC Sussex proposals, six school sixth forms and two colleges in Hastings and Rother would have closed and a new college built on four sites across the region.

A total of 53 million had been set aside for the new college providing 21st century facilities for all post-16 students in the area. This is considerably more than would be gained by each institution seeking their own capital investment.

Rob Wye, Director of Strategy and Communications and Programme Director for Success for All, Learning and Skills Council, said: "I understand that today's announcement will have been met with disappointment by everyone in Hastings and Rother who contributed to the rigorously developed and widely supported proposals.

"However, we remain committed to tackling the existing problems of below average post-16 exam results, limited skills training and exodus of local students to colleges outside the area.

"Meanwhile, the Strategic Area Review process continues apace across the country. Local LSCs have brought together LEAs, councils, schools, colleges and employers in full and inclusive consultation."

Mr Wye added: "These consultations aim to find the best possible solutions to the Further Education and training challenges for learners and employers in their area, and there are exciting and encouraging results emerging up and down the land."

LSC Sussex is keen the uncertainty hanging over post-16 education and training in the area can be overcome as quickly as possible, and so will be urgently reviewing the alternative option.