The Cabinet decided that the far reaching proposals represented the best way forward for education and training in the area. Members felt that the four new colleges within a single strategic corporation would mean quality courses for young people and adults, improved standards, greater opportunities and an increase in skills development vital for the economic regeneration of the area.
Councillor Keith Glazier, Lead Member for Education and Libraries said "It’s all about raising quality, choice and standards. Doing nothing is not an option for Hastings and Rother and we are putting the interests of students first and foremost.”
The proposals are designed to match courses to student needs and interests. The aim is to ensure educational coherence through school, college and university and the emphasis will be on both academic and vocational qualifications.
If accepted by Government, the proposals will lead to a massive cash investment package of £53 million pounds for education and training in the area. Councillor Glazier pointed out that such an investment opportunity could not be ignored, although it was not the key driver for change.
The final proposals have been agreed following a two year process of consultation and reviews organised by East Sussex County Council and the Learning and Skills Council. Consensus was strong on the need for change to raise achievement levels and to improve access in rural areas.
A major area of concern which emerged was on the future of sixth forms in Hastings. Many staff, students and parents argued strongly for the schools to keep their sixth forms. Eventually proposals for a federated sixth form on a single site were drawn up by the schools and many of these ideas have been incorporated into the final proposals.
Councillor Glazier said, "We have listened very carefully to what the schools had to say and have included many of their ideas. At the end of the day, everyone should agree that these proposals will lead to new opportunities and the development of skills that are so important for an area where the process of regeneration is set to speed up in the next few years.”
Following the Cabinet decision today, a final decision locally on whether the proposals will move on will be made by the Sussex Learning and Skills Council (LSC) on July 5th. Its decision will take account of the Cabinet’s views. The statutory proposals will then be published in September with a two months period for comments and objections which will be considered by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills.
Reference:
04/213/RK
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