A REPORT has found that not enough of Stockton's children are going on to sixth-form colleges.

The report, from schools watchdog Ofsted, also criticises the low numbers of school leavers achieving at least five higher-grade passes at GCSE level in the area - which add up to just 44 per cent.

But A-level passes and GNVQ success rates are above the national average in both schools and colleges. It says the numbers of students progressing into full-time post-16 education, although increasing, are low compared with the national average.

The report, published this week, marked the results of an inspection of education and training provision for 16 to 19-year-olds in Stockton.

Inspectors found that the overall quality of teaching and learning is good in Stockton's sixth-forms and colleges and most of the students' work is carried out to a high standard.

But they said pass rates among students repeating GCSE examinations were too far below the national average.

The report praises other areas of post-16 education in the borough, including advice to pupils about courses and jobs, and support to students applying for higher education.

Stanley Bedford, Stockton Borough Council director of education, leisure and cultural services, said the report acknowledged the hard work in learning centres.

"As expected, the leadership and management of schools has been found to be good," he said.

Pam Eccles, executive director of the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley, said: "Although much remains to be done, there are good foundations in Stockton on which to build.

"We look forward to working with our partners to continue to improve the quality of learning available to young people."

The skills council will now work with the local education authority (LEA) and other partners to produce an action plan by June 10 in response to the report. Peter Walkley, chief education advisor on Stockton Borough Council, said: "The LEA shares the concerns expressed by Oftsed about the number of students progressing into post-16 education.

"The take-up is rising and we have been working together with schools to promote further education to our students."

He said some other areas encouraged pupils to go on to further education in a pilot project which paid them £40 a week.

But Stockton was designated as an area to be compared with places where the allowance was paid, so until the pilot was over, students could not receive the allowance.