Students offered ressurance about studies

LSC Sussex has re-affirmed there will be no changes to current course programmes for those students due to start A-Level or vocational courses next month at school sixth forms and colleges in the area.

The reassurance comes after the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) asked LSC Sussex to continue its work on overhauling post-16 education and training in Hastings and Rother.

While the DfES recognised the strategic vision of the LSC Sussex's original proposals, and its intention to raise participation and achievement levels among young people because of deficiencies in some of the local post-16 provision, it asked LSC Sussex to reconsider whether a full reorganisation is needed to raise standards and increase choice for adult learners.

The DfES supports, in principle, long term 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, 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: "We want to reassure students that their courses will continue next term under the current arrangements which exist within school sixth forms and colleges in Hastings and Rother.

"LSC Sussex is currently seeking clarification from Government on a number of points made in the Minister's letter, and we will continue to work with schools, colleges and partners to develop a response to the Minister for 30 September."