Sixth form may close

A PUBLIC meeting to discuss the closure of the Tideway School sixth form was due to be held in Newhaven last night (Thursday).

As a result of more students taking up courses in Brighton and Lewes the number of sixth form students has dropped.

The final blow was the opening of the new Peacehaven Community School, making it even harder for Tideway to sustain its sixth form.

It is planned instead to focus on developing Tideway as a specialist technology school for ages 11-16.

Cllr Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council lead cabinet member for education, said: 'We wanted to give everyone associated directly with the school and others in the wider community the opportunity to give their views on this proposal.

A consultation paper which sets out the arguments for and against the change has been distributed to parents and school staff.

Cllr Simmons added: 'The school and the county council recognise that this is a sensitive issue and that people will want to look at all the information before giving their views. Whatever the outcome, I am sure Tideway will continue to thrive under the leadership of the headteacher and governors and with the help and support of the community.

The closing date for comments on the sixth form proposal is January 11. At this stage all comments will be considered by the county council. If it decides to proceed, people will then be given two months to send any further objections.

l A report on last night s meeting will appear in next week s Express.