At a public meeting on Tuesday, county councillor Heather Wells said Uppingham Community College and Catmose College in Oakham could still get on board.

The county council will take on responsibility for sixthform education from April when the Government disbands the Learning and Skills Council.

It is looking to create a new college in Oakham linked to a new sixthform at Casterton Business and Enterprise College.

More than 130 people showed up at Uppingham Town Hall for the second of a series of three public meetings about the plans.

Coun Wells (Con), who is responsible for education, was adamant the door had not been shut to the other two 11-16 schools.

The council had initially been looking to create an independent sixthform college. But when these plans were shelved in favour of one of the schools becoming the new admissions authority, Uppingham Community College and Catmose College withdrew from talks.

Coun Wells said: "It does not mean we are not wanting to work with them and that it won't happen."

The Rutland Learning Partnership, made up of Rutland County Council, Casterton Business and Enterprise College and Tresham College which runs The Rutland College, has put togther the proposals for Rutland County College.

Casterton would be the admissions authority, although the partnership has promised 93 per cent of courses would be based in Oakham.

Casterton Business and Enterprise College vice principal Carl Smith told the meeting: "We have always wanted to work with the colleges as a team and we want to work together now. We only have one chance.

"We do respect each other and we are in this because we believe it's important to educate young people to the best standards possible.

"What I want to say is - let's work together. Let's stop arguing and build a future Rutland can be proud of."

But Nick Lovering, of Hawthorn Drive in Uppingham, said: "I am fully of the view that the three-party solution is the best way.

"I can fully understand why the other two colleges would not want to be part of the model as it stands at the moment."

Catmose College principal Stuart Williams agreed: "The fact of the matter is that the post-16 admission authority is an issue and that makes it difficult to be involved."

Parent Sally Allen, of Main Street in Lyddington, said: "I'm not in favour of the plans. They have been poorly put together and I don't think it's the best for Rutland students."

John Woodhead, of Chestnut Close, Uppingham, said: "It's damaging to both Casterton College and Uppingham Community College.

"It's clear that Casterton is taking a controlling bid. That will be of benefit to Casterton but in Uppingham and Oakham it's not seen this way."

Jo Curtis, a 15-year-old pupil at Catmose College, criticised the decision-making process. She said: "There are obviously disputes between the two of you and instead of trying to find a way to work together you go ahead.

"Why didn't you take a backwards step and work together?"

Catmose College pupil Henry Brown said the youngsters affected should have been more involved in making decisions.

"We don't feel that we have been properly consulted on this proposal," he said. "How can you justify making decisions on our behalf when you don't have feedback from ourselves?"

Jess Kellett, 17, of Lime Tree Avenue, Uppingham, is a student at The Rutland College. She said: "We are concerned that if the proposals fail there will be no college to return to."

The next public meeting takes place tonight at Casterton Business and Enterprise College at 6.30pm.