A NEW drive to encourage Hyndburn pupils to stay inside the borough for their post-GCSE education has been introduced.

Two colleges in Accrington have joined forces to allow pupils to mix and match their further education qualifications after they finish their GCSEs.

Accrington and Rossendale College and St Christopher’s Sixth Form has formed a ‘unique’ partnership where school leavers can now study vocational courses and traditional academic qualifications within Hyndburn.

Accrington and Rossendale College said it had met its pupil numbers year on year but recognised the fact some youngsters do study elsewhere.

Bosses at both colleges said the partnership would give the borough’s youngsters the ‘best possible start at their chosen career’.

Under the scheme, which begins in September, pupils will be able to use both centres interchangably.

Accrington and Rossendale College pupils will be able to choose subjects such as physics, maths, biology, psychology or art to add to their vocational studies and St Christopher’s pupils will be able to access Accrington and Rossendale College’s vocational curriculum and extensive enrichment programme.

Partnership manager Andy Armiger said: “In the past, some students have had to choose between a vocational qualification and taking A-levels and this partnership will mean that they can now do both locally.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is that students will get access to the best facilities and teaching.

“Accrington & Rossendale College has built a £16million campus and was assessed as “outstanding” at the last Government inspection.

“St Christopher’s has recently opened its fantastic new Sixth Form facilities and has a reputation for quality teaching and I’m sure that students will benefit immensely from the partnership.”

St Christopher’s head of sixth form Richard Jones said: “By sharing resources, facilities and expertise, we are giving our community the best possible opportunities to get ahead in their careers.”

A spokesman for the college said: “This was an opportunity to improve our learners' experience by allowing our learners to access additional and enhancing qualifications by working with an outstanding partner.”