Nottinghamshire sixth form no longer 'financially viable' and could shut

A Nottinghamshire sixth form could close as the trust running it says it is no longer "financially viable." The Sutton Community Academy also says that not enough of its Year 11 pupils are getting the GSCE grades needed to study many courses at the sixth form.

A consultation has now been launched on the plan, which would see no students joining Year 12 in September 2025. The sixth form would then close in September 2026, once current Year 12 students have completed their studies.

Ged Rae, trust executive principal with the Academy Transformation Trust, which runs Sutton Community Academy, says in a letter about the consultation: "The percentage of the Year 11 cohort historically recruited into Year 12 has been low, even in years when the sixth form compares well with local alternatives on attainment, retention, and progression.

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"Currently there are 22 students in Year 12 and 30 in Year 13. Projections do not suggest there is likely be significant increases in student numbers recruited into the Sixth Form.

"Historically, the external recruitment into Year 12 from other schools has been limited. Too many Year 11 students do not achieve the GCSE grades required for entry into the sixth form's Advanced Level academic and vocational courses.

"The sixth form is not financially viable, in its own right, and has had to be subsidised by the income for KS3 and KS4 students to remain open, undermining their education." Despite the reasons for launching the consultation, which is now open until January 13, some have expressed concern over the plans.

Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for growth, regeneration and local planning at Ashfield District Council, said: "Sutton Community Academy is a key strategic partner of Ashfield District Council, therefore any consultation that includes any reduction in educational provision is a concern. We have met with the Academy Transformation Trust to express our concerns about the potential to withdraw sixth form provision.

"Whilst we appreciate that the Trust has to balance the books, the decision to even consult is a legacy of chronic underfunding in sixth form provision from the previous Conservative Government and in my view, a clear lack of confidence in the new Labour one. Ashfield District Council will encourage pupils, parents, businesses and all residents in Ashfield to take part in this vital consultation."

Mr Rae, who has been contacted for comment, added in his consultation letter: "Leaders at the academy have already refined the curriculum offer to make it more financially efficient. Further savings would require fewer subject choices in future that would also drive away even more students."

The Academy Transformation Trust also says there are "high-quality alternative places at local sixth form providers." Parents, councils and admission authorities are among those being invited to take part in the consultation.