I read with alarm your article (February 10) entitled "Should we get rid of the sixth forms in our town to make way for a multi-site college?".

My answer is a definite no.

The sixth form sets the whole tone of a school, not just by its curriculum and the quality of teaching and learning.

Younger children are encouraged by their older peers and want to emulate them. It encourages them to stay on in education beyond the age of 16 years. I know my seven children were encouraged by the example of their older peers and then went on to encourage younger members of their school, Cardinal Newman in Hove.

I know I was inspired by the sixth form in the school I attended more than 50 years ago, although I did not have the privilege to stay on beyond the age of 16. We left school to help with the family budget but we were given the vision and were able to pass that on to our children.

Education brings young adults freedom. We should be encouraging that through our sixth forms as much as by any other means. We need freedom as much as we need peace - freedom to chose in all aspects of our lives. My children went on to gain degrees from various universities and technical college.

I hope yours will do the same.

We have to help every child to reach their full potential, whether that be great or small - to be the people they are meant to be.

-Mrs Pamela Hill, Woodingdean