Education experts pool ideas

The Sussex Learning and Skills Council's review of further education in the area has sparked major upset with sweeping proposals to abolish school sixth forms and merge Hastings and Bexhill Colleges to create a Tertiary Institution. There has also been widespread criticism of the way the LSC has handled the review and consultation process.

Interested parties or 'stakeholders' (not including pupils and parents) met at the Jarvis Cooden Beach Hotel.

It was the first chance to discuss the four models for change currently on the table.

At a press conference afterwards, all agreed that the meeting, which comprised of some 50 delegates from schools, colleges, Brighton University, local authorities and the Hastings and Bexhill Task Force, was friendly and constructive.

It transpired that although not everyone agreed on the best methods for improvement in post-16 education, it was unanimous that improvement is definitely required.

All agreed the status quo was not good enough.

Delegates said improvements in 16-19 education were a key hinge in the Five Point Plan regeneration of the area and necessary to attract new employers and retain students who currently go elsewhere to learn.

They said the review was an opportunity for a 'step change' in local education with millions in government cash on offer, but opinions on the best model for change remain divided.