For the attention of Year 9 pupils

For the attention of Year 9 pupils

Dear Parent,

 

I am writing to you because you have a child who is due to move into Year 10 in September 2017 and to bring to your attention other opportunities for education starting in Y10 available in the local area, of which you may not be aware. The schools I am referring to have atypical admission ages so take pupils at a different age to typical 11-16 secondary schools. This does not mean that you should consider moving your child from their existing school if this is still the best option for them, however I am legally required to bring these opportunities to your attention.

 

Below are details of the schools in East Sussex, which you may wish to look into and consider whether your child would want to apply for a place in September. In addition, details are available in the council’s admissions booklet of education options. You should also look at the GCSE curriculum at your child’s current school, to help consider what the best option is for the next two years of your child’s education.

 

University Technical Colleges are set up by universities and businesses and specialise in one or two technical subjects. At GCSE they offer a similar curriculum to a typical 11-16 secondary school, including the basics of English and Maths, as well as their specialist subject.

 

Studio Schools are similar to UTCs in that they have employer involvement in the curriculum and focus on developing the skills needed for employment, involving personal coaching and work experience, alongside a similar curriculum to a typical 11-16 secondary.

 

All schools have a statutory duty to secure impartial careers guidance for all Year 8 to Year 13 students to inspire young people to fulfil their potential and to make them aware of all opportunities open to them. We strongly recommend that your child discuss their options with a Careers Adviser in their current school or college.

 

If you then consider that such a move would be appropriate, we would advise you to arrange a meeting with a senior member of staff at your child’s current school to discuss the options available.

 

The two schools of this type available in East Sussex are:

 

Rye Studio School
The Grove
Rye
TN31 7NQ
01797 228434
www.ryestudioschool.co.uk

utc@harbourside
Railway Quay
Newhaven
BN9 9JL
01273 916170

www.utc-harbourside.org

If you decide that you would like to apply for a place at either of these schools for your child, you will need to apply directly to them via the above web addresses.  Please be aware that should your child attend one of the above schools, he or she will not be entitled to assistance with home to school transport unless it is the nearest appropriate school to your home address and is over three miles from the family home, or you qualify based on low income grounds (details can be found at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/schooltransport).

 

Yours sincerely,
Jo Miles

Admissions & Transport Manager