Bexhill College concerned over future

Staff and governors feel there are many unanswered questions as to exactly how the changes will improve the quality of education.

They say if the proposals go ahead there's a danger post-16 education will be destabilised for at least the next five years.

The college is not willing to lose its independence and merge with Hastings until there is clear evidence that the proposals can be successfully achieved.

In a statement governors explained: "We have taken part in the debate and have aimed to be actively involved in a co-operative way throughout the process. However, these proposals appear to be suggesting a merger of Bexhill College and Hastings College in 2005, although under the auspices of a large new college.

"Reading the documents this appears to be the only guaranteed element towards a tertiary college for the next 4-5 years.

"It also suggests that the development of the rural Rother College and one of the sites for the new Hastings Sixth Form College (amalgamation of the school sixth forms) will be greatly assisted by Schools for the Future money which, we understand, is certainly not yet guaranteed."

"The college considers that this proposal will not be in the interests of the students currently studying at the college or those who are currently in years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 in local schools.

"The college still believes that the challenges set out can be achieved through a Tertiary Board or federation of providers and that a large Tertiary College is not the answer.

"The consultation document is now available and a number of public meetings organised. It is important that all interested parties respond to this proposal."

The consultation period for the proposals for post-16 change started on Friday 27 February.

Bexhill College is due to move into new state-of-the-art premises in Penland Road this September.

r WITH 40 meetings in the next eight weeks, everyone will get the chance to have their say about the post-16 education review.

The meetings are taking place across the Hastings and Rother area in all the main affected areas. The sessions have been arranged so the Sussex Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the county council can here what people think of their four college plan for the area.

A parents' meetings will take place at St Richard's Catholic College on March 16 from 7pm.

A group of students from each school/college will be invited to attend the sessions at Horntye Park on Friday, March 19 and Jarvis Cooden Beach Hotel on Monday, April 1.