TWO of the oldest grammar schools in the UK are joining forces to create the largest sixth form provision in Thanet.

Chatham House and Clarendon House at Ramsgate have become the biggest providers of education for A level and vocational courses in the area.

The already close ties between the two schools have been strengthened considerably by expanding their levels of co-operation at sixth form level.

The J6 initiative features a totally joint timetable means that students can now mix and match their subject choices to benefit from a wider breadth of courses, with specialist teachers sharing resources to ensure a comprehensive learning package.

Such is the existing reputation of the sixth forms, this year alone they expect to interview around 150 students from other schools in the area for post 16 courses.

Both schools have been awarded specialist schools status – Clarendon House for modern languages, and Chatham House for maths, computing and science. It means that as government accredited recognised centres of excellence they can offer in-depth tutoring in important core subjects.

The schools are planning for all their syllabuses to match across the board in the next two years as the level of co-operation strengthens.

In a joint statement head teachers John Mathews from Chatham House and Jane Bennett from Clarendon House said: "This is a pioneering and exciting educational development for grammar school provision in Thanet.

"Each school will retain its independence and identity but this initiative can only benefit students and staff as we strive to offer the best education in the area. The proximity of our sites in the town centre means little disruption as well.

"The expanded link supports the government’s Aim Higher initiative that is directed at ensuring students have every opportunity to make the very best of their skills as they develop through their schooling towards the sixth form and beyond.

"We support students of all abilities, whether they are on their way to Oxford or Cambridge, top universities, further education or into a career."

The initiative has the support of governors and staff. Teachers are happy to collaborate and share ideas and resources; they will also have joint staff training days and joint staff meetings have been held.