Summary - this case study shows how 3 schools and an FE college were able to combat a decline in staying on rates and our of borough student migration through their collaborative efforts.      

The Central Gateshead 6th Form (cg6) is a collaborative venture between three schools and Gateshead College. It provides a complete package for sixth formers. The outflow of young people from the central area at age 16 partly prompted the development of cg6. This outflow impoverished the curriculum available to those young people unable or unwilling to travel out of the area, thereby deterring some from staying on in learning.

By building on the strengths of each partner, cg6 has offered students a broader range of subjects, including twenty new AS and A level courses, and a greater variety of opportunities for work-related learning. By sharing staff and resources, the consortium has also provided opportunities for post-16 learning in a wider range of locations, including some at the two 11-16 schools which has encouraged reluctant students to stay on at 16 by making available a base in a familiar environment. It has also provided Key Stage 4 students at the schools with post-16 role models to raise aspirations and increase confidence. In 2003/04, 23 cg6 students accessed post-16 provision at Thomas Hepburn (11-16) School, a specialist science school, and about half of these young people indicated that without such local provision they may not have continued in education.