WHITTLESEY is set to get a sixth-form college and it is likely to open as early as September. The proposal has been agreed with Cambridgeshire County Council and Sir Harry Smith Community College can prepare for up to 150 A-level students. Until now, th

WHITTLESEY is set to get a sixth-form college - and it is likely to open as early as September.The proposal has been agreed with Cambridgeshire County Council and Sir Harry Smith Community College can prepare for up to 150 A-level students.Until now, the college has taken about 90 post-16 students but these have been on the roll at Stanground College, Peterborough, as part of a partnership arrangement.That will change as Sir Harry Smith prepares for its own sixth-form college after an extensive consultation involving governors, parents, councillors and the Learning and Skills Council."Responses from consultees was almost unanimously in favour of the addition of the sixth-form," says Peter Goringe, secretary of the Cambridgeshire School Organisation Committee."All 94 parents who responded, all neighbouring schools, councillors and the MP expressed support."And of the 41 Year 11 students who responded, 33 were in favour of adding the sixth-form to the college.Some concerns, since allayed, were expressed by the Learning Skills Council "pending further guidance and consultation on its planning role and the use of capital funding," said Mr Goringe."However, as a result of subsequent meetings between the college and the lSC, the LSC has indicated that it will not be pursuing its objection."The committee was told a key consideration is that of standards and the college produced evidence showing performance at last year's GCSE was the best ever, with 59.5 per cent of students achieving five or more A*-C grades, compared with 52.7 per cent in 2004."Standards at A-level were broadly maintained, with most students achieving at or above their expected level of performance, Mr Goringe said.