I should state from the outset that I fully share the concerns that have been raised with me and have today been in contact with the Principal of Tyne Coast College, the Local Authority and the Minister of State for Higher Education to see what can be done to address the issue.

I want to know why the announcement came so abruptly when it did, what the impact will be on students and most importantly the provision in place for those students currently at AS level who will now have to seek alternative provision.

I have also raised the wider issue of 6th Form provision in the borough with Ministers and have set out my concerns about the cuts to college funding of over 30% over the last ten years.

The situation facing the current students must be the immediate priority and I want to assure those students and their families I am doing all I can to get the answers they are currently looking for and will provide updates as I get them.