Hillcrest, Filsham Valley and The Grove will now be given much-needed help by Ninestiles Plus - a company owned by a school in Birmingham.

It has received national acclaim for improving exam results and it is hoped the pioneering partnership will lead to a similar upturn in the fortunes of the three schools involved.

East Sussex County Council awarded Ninestiles Plus the three-year contract after it edged out a rival bid from Bishop Bell CE School in Eastbourne.

The three schools have recently struggled accademically, with Hillcrest coming 19th worst in the country for Key Stage Three results but those behind the plans are convinced the new deal will help improve matters.

Councillor Keith Glazier, said: "Everyone is working extremely hard to raise standards but we have to be honest and admit that what has been tried so far has not succeeded in raising standards fast enough.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Hastings and I have no doubt it will benefit the town's young people."

Matt Dunkley, director of children's services, was equally enthusiastic. He said: "This is a new approach for us and not without risk but for the children, staff and parents there is the potential for rapid and drastic improvement in these schools.

"This is a time for optimisim and hope."

The project will be led by Ninestiles head, Sir Dexter Hutt, who has a proven track record of improving schools whose pupils often face far more challenging backrounds than those in Hastings.

When Sir Dexter became Head of Ninestiles School in 1988, it was a failing school with only six per cent of its students achieving 5 A*-C GCSEs. By 2006, 83 per cent of its students had gained five A*-C grades.
Parents will be hoping for a similar turnaround here.

Sir Dexter, who was knighted for his services to education, said: "I look forward to working closely with the head teachers, governors and staff of the three schools.

"We all recognise our young people hold the key to the future prosperity of the area - it is their qualifications, skills and attitudes that will underpin the regeneration of Hastings.

"Our job will be to develop new strategies, and continue to work closely with parents to ensure our students achieve their true potential."

Do you welcome the plans? Are you a parent with a child at Filsham Valley, Hillcrest or The Grove? What do you think? Leave your comments below.