Neale-Wade Academy in March reopens sixth form admissions for September 2026

Neale-Wade Academy in March has announced it will be reopening sixth form admissions for September 2026, after scrapping admissions for 2025.

The academy, part of The Active Learning Trust, says the decision follows a comprehensive viability review which included consulting with students, staff, parents and governors.

The Trust says it has carefully considered local competition and financial viability as part of this review. Neale-Wade will be offering courses covering a range of subjects including Psychology, Criminology, Mental Health, Health & Social, Child Development, Medical Sciences and Business.

Neale-Wade announced in February that it would not be running sixth-form courses from this September, meaning Year 11 students who were hoping to stay on for A-levels had to look elsewhere for further study.

The move announced sparked much outcry on social media, with many unhappy at the decision. Dwindling numbers were blamed, with the Active Learning Trust stating it was not financially viable.

The Active Learning Trust CEO Lynsey Holzer said: “We are pleased to be sharing this news with the school community following our viability review.

“We were particularly impressed by the positive and heartfelt engagement of the school community at the meeting we held, and we very much view this as a community-led decision with student choice at the centre.

“We are very grateful for all the helpful feedback from students, parents, staff and governors throughout this process.

“Neale-Wade celebrated some fantastic A-level and BTEC results for our Year 13s this summer. With many securing strong results, we were delighted to see so many progressing on to university, apprenticeships and employment and wish them all the very best for the future. We look forward to continuing to see Neale-Wade students thrive and fulfil their ambitions.”