Varndean has no option but to sell

Her analysis could not be more off-beam.

The Principal of Varndean College, Alan Jenkins, supported by all governors, has sought to address the urgent problem that faces our city - the increase in student numbers demonstrably present in today's secondary schools and who may be denied a sixth-form education unless action is taken. It is also worth pointing out that while Varndean College is one of the top-performing colleges, its staff and students occupy a building that is sorely in need of renovation.

Of course this must be done as part of a strategic plan - Brighton and Hove cannot afford a two or three-year hiatus. Local politicians should prepare themselves for the outcry when parents of Brighton youngsters find they may be denied a sixth-form place in the city in two years' time.

The objectors to our planning application oppose our submission to sell land for housing to pay for the development. Yet the college receives a capital grant of only 35 per cent of the cost of the development. That leaves us to find two-thirds of the cost from our own resources.

PFI schemes, which are just another way of borrowing, were considered at an early stage and rejected as inappropriate. The Sussex LSC, which has inherited the project, continues to lend its support to our funding application.

We genuinely have no other option open to us. Varndean College has only one motivation: To continue to provide a quality post-16 education for all. I urge the protesters to work with us and turn their attention to finding a solution to the problem. They should be lobbying for additional funding to ensure state institutions do not need to sell land. They should consider the housing crisis that abounds in the city before they deny others the right to live in an area like Surrenden.

And, finally, they should end these ridiculous and unwarranted personal attacks on a dedicated professional like Alan Jenkins.

-Paul Loman, Chair of Governors, Varndean College