The Government has ordered a rethink of controversial plans to reshape the future of post-16 education.

The Sussex Learning and Skills Council (LSC) submitted a £53 million proposal to replace six sixth forms in Hastings and Rother with a new college at four sites.

But sixth-formers at Helenswood and William Parker Schools in Hastings and St Leonards mounted protests earlier this year at 10 Downing Street and County Hall, Lewes.

Ministers yesterday approved the LSC's plans to close sixth forms at Thomas Peacocke, Hillcrest, The Grove and Filsham Valley Schools in Hastings and Rye.

They agreed Hastings College should relocate to sites in Hastings town centre and rejected plans for a rural Rother college.

But the Government wants the LSC to rethink whether a total revamp of post-16 education in Hastings and Rother is needed to raise standards. In particularly it wants the LSC to look at modifying its proposal to include keeping sixth forms at William Parker, Helenswood and Bexhill College.

A-level student Elissa Seddon, 16, chairwoman of the Helenswood School council, said: "We are overwhelmed. It is a really good decision.

"We hope now that our education will not suffer and that our prospects, grades and overall education will go up and up."

Hastings and Rye Labour MP Michael Foster said: "What the Government has proposed allows choice but at the same time new investment in those areas such as Hastings College, which has high standards but poor facilities. I know the LSC has stated there was no Plan B. The Government has now made clear there is a Plan B and we all now want to see it implemented."

But Tory-led East Sussex County Council said the Government's response to three years of work was "shabby, incoherent and possibly unlawful". Leaders said it jeopardised the £53 million funding pledged to carry through the proposals.

The plans were drawn up following a review of 16-plus learning in East Sussex.

The LSC found there were significantly lower rates of achievement and higher learning needs in Hastings and Rother compared to county and national levels.

LSC Sussex executive director Henry Ball said: "We are disappointed these improvements for students and adult learners will be put on hold while we look at this further option."