Sixth form to remain open while options explored

A sixth form that paused its intake due to increasing costs and a lack of demand, will remain open while options for its future are explored.

Earlier in the year, Unity Schools Partnership said it would pause new admissions into Year 12 at Felixstowe School in Suffolk from September.

Following a public consultation, the trust said it would use cash reserves to fund a "limited but relevant offer" while it looked at alternative options.

A Unity spokesperson said there had been "strong support" for a post-16 education provision in the town, while Labour MP for Suffolk Coastal, Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, said she was pleased "a different approach is now being explored".

The trust said in January it had a declining number of students staying on at the sixth form. It said the cost of the provision "significantly exceeds the funding it generates, requiring subsidy from lower school budgets".

A spokesperson said while "it was clear" it could not continue with the current model, it was "excited" to look at alternative options to give pupils the option to stay on at the school.

"Lots of work has already taken place to get to this stage, and the next two years will require significant investment from our reserves – and an equal investment of effort from school leaders," the spokesperson said.

"This reflects the trust and school's commitment to doing the right thing for the town and to listening to feedback."

Darren Aitchison, chair of Felixstowe School's Local Governing Board, said he hoped parents and students would support the proposal and help "build a sustainable and ambitious future for sixth form education" in the town.

Riddell-Carpenter added: "There is still more work to do, but young people in Felixstowe deserve good opportunities to continue their education and plan for their futures."

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