The headteacher of Peel’s high school has spoken out against the idea of setting up a sixth-form college in Douglas.

Sue Moore was speaking at Queen Elizabeth II High School’s annual prize giving event.

She said: ’With pressure on government finances, there is sometimes the temptation, in the mistaken belief it will save money, to centralise post-16 education in Douglas.

’This would be catastrophic for the communities not just here in the west but for south and north of the island as well.

’The school is at the heart of the community and I know that everyone here in the hall tonight appreciates and values that.

’We have become used to the school producing high standards and offering great opportunities for students.

’It is easy to take this for granted and forget the hard work and commitment that is required each year to make sure our students achieve and succeed.’

Miss Moore also spoke against league tables.

’If it is in the best interests of students to be allowed to continue their studies, we think that is more important than the possible negative effect on statistics,’ she said.

’That is why I am not a fan of league tables - the pressure on schools to manipulate their position rather than put students first becomes too great.’

But she then talked about the school’s record.

’The A level results are really good.

’The pass rate was 99.2% (just one U grade) and 43.7% of grades were A*-B with the average grade being 35 UCAS points - between grade C and grade B.

’We are comfortably above the island average.’

’This would be catastrophic for the communities not just here in the west but for south and north of the island as well.

’The school is at the heart of the community and I know that everyone here in the hall tonight appreciates and values that.

’We have become used to the school producing high standards and offering great opportunities for students.

’It is easy to take this for granted and forget the hard work and commitment that is required each year to make sure our students achieve and succeed.’

Miss Moore also spoke against league tables.

’If it is in the best interests of students to be allowed to continue their studies, we think that is more important than the possible negative effect on statistics,’ she said.

’That is why I am not a fan of league tables - the pressure on schools to manipulate their position rather than put students first becomes too great.’

But she then talked about the school’s record.

’The A level results are really good.

’The pass rate was 99.2% (just one U grade) and 43.7% of grades were A*-B with the average grade being 35 UCAS points - between grade C and grade B.

’We are comfortably above the island average.’