WHILST universities may be the branch of higher education that currently feature most prominently in the news, with the controversial plans for rising fees continuing to fuel debate, the importance of colleges must not be forgotten. In The Sixth Form College, Hereford has an institution that it can be truly proud of. The Sixth Form is a top class place of learning, with brilliant pupils, teaching staff, facilities and a wonderfully positive atmosphere. It provides the perfect grounding for the university experience that many of its pupils will go on to experience after they have completed their studies, whilst also supplying amble preparation for those who wish to follow other opportunities. As well as providing a first rate education for its pupils, there are countless opportunities for extra curriculum activities, such as numerous sports teams, musical groups and an extremely active student newspaper. All of this leads to a fantastically enjoyable and fulfilling two years of study for no cost at all to the student.

It was a pleasure to spend two years at the Sixth Form, and it is a time I know that I will always remember extremely fondly. It provides the perfect in-between period between school and university. Whilst students around the country are protesting at the proposed rise in university tuition fees, they must not forget the importance of colleges. They too deserve and need the appropriate funding in order to continue to provide the excellent service that they do, arguably even more than universities.

Beyond all the headlines, we need to remember that universities aren’t the only form of higher education under threat from cuts. It is vital that colleges such as the Sixth Form are protected so they can continue to offer such a brilliant education.

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