Observer readers vote to keep sixth forms

Sussex Learning and Skills Council and the county council are both still fully behind creating a four-site college in Hastings and Rother. This is despite the overwhelming vote against the proposal by Observer readers.

Out of 2,791 votes, a massive 2,080 said they wanted sixth forms left as they are with Bexhill and Hastings colleges kept independent. All the votes were sent to the LSC by us this week.

Under the proposal, new colleges at Battle and Hastings combined with HCAT and Bexhill College would replace the current set-up. The four colleges would be linked by common management and timetabling but all four colleges would have a separate identity and ethos.

The LSC and the county council are launching a full consultation on the plan in February next year. This will provide an opportunity for people to state their concerns and their support for the proposed 16-plus model.

As with the last consultation, which took place earlier this year, all responses will be logged so that the views of different groups can be clearly identified.

The LSC said the consultation will give a fuller view of what people think of the proposal than our poll, and will be able to take on board specific issues thrown up by individual groups.

During the last few weeks, teachers, governors and other stakeholders have been working with the project team to further develop the proposals.

Rupert Simmons, the county Council's lead cabinet member for Education, said: "We understand that proposals for change create many concerns. That is why we are determined to challenge every element of the model, and to subject it to further wide consultation."

q A new 16 plus newsletter was issued to parents in November. Copies are available from local schools and colleges.