A COLLEGE facing possible job losses is joining a national campaign for the Government to close the funding gap between school sixth forms and further education colleges.

The call, backed by Derwentside College, in Consett, has already received support from education leaders, MPs, unions, lecturers and the NatNational Union of Students.

The college recently asked staff if they would consider voluntary redundancies because of financial problems.

It needs to reduce its staff by seven lecturers and two administrative workers.

Colleges receive at least ten per cent less funding than schools for providing the same courses.

It is estimated that the average college would gain £500,000 a year if the funding gap was closed.

Two-thirds of 16 to 19 year-olds study in a general further education college or sixth form college, as opposed to staying on at school.

Sarah Jefferson, a student at Derwentside College who is studying A-levels in her second year, said: "It is wrong and unfair for students to suffer from lack of funds.

"This extra money would help lead to better performance and quality, improvements in facilities and keeping good lecturers."

A spokesman for the Department of Education and Skills said it was too early to say what the 2004 Spending Review would mean for funding rates for next year

He added: "The Government has already increased funding levels for further education colleges."