May 2 2012.

Local MP Norman Baker has announced his support for Seaford Head Community College's Free School application to "fill the gap for post-16 education in Seaford and along the coast".

Seaford Head currently offers education for those aged between 11 and 16, but despite being the largest town in the Lewes constituency, with a population of some 25,000, Seaford has no sixth form college. The Seaford Board of Trustees hopes to change all that by utilising the previously rented out Old School Annex and the government's Free School funding, to provide post-16 education A levels, including Baccalaureate subjects.

The local MP has supported the school's application in writing to the Education Secretary, Michael Gove MP.

Norman says: "Free Schools are not going to be ideal in every circumstance, and they must be looked at on a case-by-case basis, but I think that in this instance this is a great opportunity for the College, and a real chance to provide greater access to education for post-16 students not just in Seaford, but further afield as well, and complement the excellent educational opportunities provided by Sussex Downs College."