Students in East Brighton are at the centre of a unique scheme designed to forge closer links between pupils and teachers from state and independent sector schools.

The pioneering Instep (Independent State School Partnership) Project aims to encourage teenagers in deprived areas to do things most would never even consider possible.

Such as taking free sailing lessons.

But, under the Instep Project, a group of 14-year-olds from East Brighton College of Media Arts and Falmer High School has been able to do just that.

Ten Year 9 pupils from each establishment joined a group from the independent Brighton College to train for, and then compete in, a keel boat race at Brighton Marina.

The winning team, made up of students from Falmer and East Brighton College, earned themselves more sailing sessions.

But the day was about more than learning how to crew a boat.

It was also a team-building exercise and an opportunity for 14-year-olds from different backgrounds to spend time dispelling misconceptions they had about each other and breaking down barriers.

The sailing was one of several activities those at the pioneering Instep Project have enjoyed during the last term. Others have included communication exercises, computer skills lessons and public speaking.

Johnie Davies, head of Year 9 at Falmer, said: "The kids who went sailing had a really good time. The project is positive because it has allowed the students to meet a range of other kids from very different backgrounds and see how the three schools are very contrasting.

"At the same time though, they get to see how similar they all are as young adolescents. It has also exposed my students to a range of experiences outside the classroom which builds their confidence and self-esteem."

The Instep Project is funded by the Department For Education and Employment and the Sutton Trust, an educational charity set up by philanthropist Peter Lamp, who began encouraging schools to come up with initiatives back in 1997.

The successful Brighton bid was originally a joint proposal submitted by Brighton College and East Sussex College but was later extended to include Falmer High, bringing together both secondary schools within the East Brighton Education Action Zone.

When funding was agreed last April it was one of only 19 in the country to get DfEE approval.

The scheme is supported by the local education authority, Brighton and Hove Council.

Anthony Seldon, headteacher at Brighton College, is a firm believer in the partnership's ability to "cross-fertilise ideas" between staff and pupils.

He said: "I don't want Brighton College to be an elitist institution. It is very important for our staff and pupils to form bridges with state schools.

"I think it is completely wrong to have a divide between the state and private sector in education as we have a lot to learn from each other. So far the project has brought the Brighton College students a perspective and experience which has been helpful to them."

Jim Russell, a teacher leading the project at East Brighton College, said he was delighted with the positive response from youngsters.

He said: "If we can keep that growth going, it's going to reap all sorts of rewards for the students."

Research is an important part of the Instep Project and it will look at why there are such different achievement levels between the three schools.

Sussex University has been on board as a partner from the beginning and most of the funding has been used to pay for a full time co-ordinator/researcher.

Dr Julie Coultas, at the Institute of Education, is compiling evidence to see what impact the project is having on students and schools.

She said: "I have been re-appraising attitudes since before the project began and there has been a really interesting change. The students have realised that although their schools and backgrounds are different, they do view some things in the same way."