Neale-Wade Academy in March will not be running sixth form from September

One of the area’s largest secondary schools has announced it will not be running sixth-form courses from September.

The current Year 11 students who were hoping to stay at the Neale-Wade Academy in March for A-levels after completing their GCSEs this summer, must now look elsewhere for further study. The move announced this week has sparked a lot of outcry on social media, with many unhappy at the decision.

The school has always had a sixth form, but dwindling numbers of those wanting to stay on have been blamed for the decision, with the Active Learning Trust, which runs the Neale-Wade stating it's not financially viable.

Those already halfway through their A-level studies – the current Year 12 – will not be affected by the decision and will be able to continue at the Neale-Wade to take their exams next summer.

A spokesperson for Neale-Wade Academy said: “All our sixth-form courses are dependent on application numbers and we make sure all applicants are clear on this.

“Unfortunately, the small number of applications received this year means it is not financially viable for our school to run sixth form courses for the incoming Year 12.

“Our focus is of course on supporting all our students to choose the right next step for their education. A range of courses are available nearby at Cromwell Community College in Chatteris. Cromwell is also part of The Active Learning Trust and this is a school which Neale-Wade works closely with.

“This year’s Year 12 will continue into Year 13 and we are committed to reviewing the uptake each year.”

However, the decision has not gone down well with parents and students who have taken to social media to express their views.

A former Neale-Wade student has even launched a petition to try to change the Active Learning Trust’s minds.

The anonymous petitioner says in their online petition: “As someone who attributes much of their formative experiences to attending the sixth form at Neale-Wade Academy, the news of its closure deeply upset me.

“This institution not only provided top-notch education but also brought indelible memories and life-changing moments that have shaped us into who we are today.

“The decision to shut down the sixth form, hence denying the Year 11 students the opportunities we had, is not only regressive but also a blow to their potential development opportunities.

“Being an integral part of our educational journey, we request an earnest reconsideration of this closure decision. We believe reinstating the 6th form at Neale Wade Academy is of paramount importance to ensure current and future students have the same opportunity to thrive and excel that we did.”

Others have aired their anger with one mum posting: “Absolutely fuming. My son applied for sixth form had followed all the right channels, had even been interviewed by staff members for placement to now be told that they aren't running the sixth form because of low numbers! So why in hell did you give the children that applied false hope?”

Another post highlighted what the loss of the sixth form means to the town and its young people.

They said: “The closure of Neale-Wade Sixth Form is a huge loss for students, families, and the local community.

“This sixth form has provided young people with quality education, opportunities for personal growth, and a strong pathway to university, apprenticeships, and employment. Shutting it down will leave many students with limited choices, forcing them to travel further or even reconsider their education plans altogether.

“Education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. By closing Neale-Wade sixth form, decision-makers are making it harder for students to succeed. Instead of shutting it down, efforts should be made to invest in and improve the sixth form, ensuring it remains a valuable option for future generations.”

And one student took the opportunity to defend teaching staff at the academy.

She says she is a sixth former and was unhappy with the comments made about teaching staff pointing out: “I want everyone to know it is not the teachers’ fault and they are really trying to fight for the sixth form to be open. This has really affected so many of the best teachers at the school, which are the ones we should be fighting to keep.

“It’s unfair that people are taking their anger out on these teachers when they should be talking to the trust directly because it wasn’t the teachers that decided not to run sixth form.

“The sixth form isn’t running because of a lack of numbers, so if we want sixth form to make a comeback we need more people to support the sixth form.”