The dissolution of a Norwich sixth form partnership with another school has proved an early success, it was claimed today.

Hellesdon and Taverham high schools had been working together for a number of years with post-16 students completing courses across the two sites. But Taverham withdrew to concentrate on running its own sixth form.

Paul Rapley, assistant headteacher, is overseeing the sixth form centre and said it was a 'fantastic privilege' to take on the challenge.

And running with the motto 'one vision, our passion, your future', he said it was time to build on already successful foundations.

'Both schools are pursuing their own independent sixth forms,' he said. 'It's not because of any ill-feeling.

'We felt we could build on our success by taking something that was good and making it better – building our own identity.'

Seventy-four year 12 students have enrolled this term – the sixth form's highest ever intake – and 10-20pc are former pupils of the high school.

The new sixth form centre has been created following the relocation of rooms and is a conversion of a former drama studio. Included in its building is a common room, a sixth form office, wi-fi connection, a silent study area and dedicated computers for UCAS applications and job research. It currently offers 25 subjects, including 23 A-levels.

Mr Rapley said the sixth form was also building on its extra-curricular provisions such as sport, class trips, and self-defence classes, and focusing on being a community school – students have nominated local charities to fundraise for.

He said: 'The whole ethos of what we are about is giving our students that edge so they can succeed.

'As for the future, it would be just the most amazing thing in the world to have a dedicated sixth form centre, but that's a way down the line.'

The year 13 students will continue to finish their studies as part of Hellesdon and Taverham partnership.

Taverham Sixth Form's open evening is on November 13 and Hellesdon Sixth Form's open evening is on November 6.