Parent 'disgusted' by late sixth form change

A parent has said she is "disgusted" by a school's last-minute decision not to take any Year 12 students this academic year, despite sending offer letters and hosting an induction day for the pupils earlier this summer.

In a letter sent to parents which has been seen by the BBC, Wellington Academy in Tidworth in Wiltshire, said that it was "not viable" to enrol new students when the new academic year begins on 4 September.

Debbie, mother of 17-year-old Chloe who had accepted a place at the sixth form, said she was in a state of "absolute shock and a bit of panic" after the announcement.

Ascend Learning Trust, which runs the school, has been approached for comment.

Chloe, who lives in Andover in Hampshire, had originally accepted an offer to attend a different local sixth form.

However, she withdrew her acceptance after she visited Wellington Academy and was told in July that she definitely had a place for the new academic year.

Debbie said Chloe had been "really looking forward" to starting her post-16 education there, but she now had to settle for a different sixth form.

"Everything's been geared towards going to this specific school," Debbie told the BBC.

She added that her heart "literally dropped" when she heard the last-minute news.

"It was just absolute shock and a bit of panic to be honest because at the time I wasn't sure whether she was going to be able to get in anywhere else at such short notice.

"I'm just disgusted. I appreciate that they have a difficult decision to make and they won't have taken this decision lightly, but to leave it to such short notice to let the children know.

"I think they need to understand the massive amount of stress they put on the children, and the disappointment."

The letter, signed by headteacher Hannah Whitaker, said the academy leadership team and the central trust executive team had made the decision after "careful consideration".

"I know this will come as a disappointment, especially if you had already accepted a place and were looking forward to continuing your education with us.

"I am very sorry for the uncertainty this decision causes at what should be an exciting time in your educational journey," it added.

The letter did not give a precise reason for the move, but it said the school did not believe they would be able to "offer the breadth of courses, opportunities and overall sixth form experience" that students deserved.

Wiltshire Councillor Jon Hubbard, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said he recognised the "difficult news" for everybody affected by the decision.

"There is a range of post-16 education and training opportunities available across Wiltshire, and support is available to help students consider their next steps.

"In the first instance, students should speak to their school for advice and guidance.

"Our Post-16 Skills and Participation Team is also on hand to provide further information, support and practical advice to help students plan their next steps."

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