TWO school sixth forms will merge in September 2008.

Students at Walmer Science College and Castle Community College in Deal will come together from the beginning of the next scholastic year in what both schools say is an “exciting development.”

The new sixth form, which incorporates pupils who stay on in higher education after completing their GCSEs, will have classes spread between both schools.

Now students will be asked to chose a name and design a logo to encapsulate the feel of the new sixth form.

Director of post 16 education at Walmer Science College, Andrew Milliken, said: “It is a very exciting development for young people in Walmer and Deal.

“I believe it will offer students more opportunity and a wider choice of options to help them maximise their potential.”

Meanwhile, Walmer Science College has cut its school day, so students can go home at 3pm.

The initiative, which sees pupils only have 45 minutes for lunch in favour of going home earlier, has been dubbed successful. Teachers have now noticed that pupils are feeling a lot fresher.

Head teacher Simon Heaton said: “Staff noticed that many of our pupils were struggling to concentrate by the end of the long school day.

“The students are all very positive about the changes as it has enabled them to have more time to do their homework, have time to do an after school job or enjoy more free time with friends and family.”