A NEW sixth form is being set up to serve young people of east Durham, it has been revealed.

East Durham Sixth Form, which will be primarily based at East Durham College’s Peterlee Campus, will open its doors to talented students who would like to study A Levels The first intake of AS level students will be recruited for September 2012, with the college running to full capacity the following year - catering for up to 200 students.

The new sixth form, known as ED6, will offer 20 A Levels, "carefully chosen to reflect the qualifications which leading universities are looking for when they recruit their undergraduates".

Director-designate of ED6 Paul Wheatcroft said: "We have consulted closely with the Russell Group who represent 20 of the UK’s leading universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester and Newcastle.

"We've grouped together certain A Level subjects to guide students down particular routes - we call them Professional Pathways - which lead to one of seven broad career paths after their time at university."

These are scientific, creative industries, business & management, language and culture, health, new technology and the ED6 baccalaureate.

Mr Wheatcroft said: "The concept is to ensure students leave us with the right mix of A Levels to get a place at a top university."

He added, there was already a limited sixth form on offer at Byron and the College intends to work very closely with Byron to create a "broad cohesive A Level offer for the students of East Durham".

East Durham College principal Stuart Wesselby said: "We want East Durham Sixth Form to be a place local young people aspire to go to.

"The intention is that where possible students will be able to access the Byron A Level offer alongside that of ED6."

Mr Wesselby added: "We will only take the most talented students, but will offer every student a guarantee that they will pass their A Levels if they come to ED6 - as long as their attendance is good and they fulfil their student contract."

The sixth form has been developed in partnership with the schools of East Durham: St. Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School, Dene Community School of Technology, Easington Community Science College, Glendene School and Community Arts College, Seaham School of Technology, The Academy at Shotton Hall and Wellfield Community School. Up to 20 full-time academic posts will be created.

For more information or to request a prospectus contact Student Services at East Durham College on 0191-518 8222.