A low funding deal for Gorleston's East Norfolk Sixth Form College will not result in any students being turned away, it was assured this week.But budget “adjustments” in other areas are the only other option, its principal Laurie Poulson said this week following a Learning and Skills Council handout for 16 to 18 year olds that boils down to less than they wanted.

A low funding deal for Gorleston's East Norfolk Sixth Form College will not result in any students being turned away, it was assured this week.

But budget “adjustments” in other areas are the only other option, its principal Laurie Poulson said this week following a Learning and Skills Council handout for 16 to 18 year olds that boils down to less than they wanted.

Mr Poulson said that nationally a higher than expected demand for places was behind the shortfall. The deepening recession and shortage of jobs was part of the problem, he added, and hoped the Chancellor would do something to close the funding gap with his budget later this month.

He said: “We have not got as much as we wanted. We are going to have to make some changes but we are not going to turn people away.

“Participation has risen dramatically in Great Yarmouth and we do not think that will change. We will have to make some adjustments but we are not going to make that penalise out 16/18 year olds. There are more young people wanting to stay on in education than had been predicted but we are in a recession and the plans did not allow for that. Hopefully the treasury will see that and make up the shortfall. We will not be turning people away from the college.”

Mr Poulson said the college was still analysing the implications of its adult funding and in particular the three learning centres at Greenacre, Caister High School and Bradwell Community Library.