Parents' Disappointment Over Sixth Form Closure at Longcroft School
The decision by Longcroft School and Sixth Form College in Beverley, East Yorkshire, to temporarily halt new admissions to its sixth form has sparked strong reactions from parents. The school's head teacher, David Perry, announced the suspension in an email, citing a "historic low" of 86 pupils enrolling in 2021, now in Year 11, as the primary reason.
This move has left many parents and students feeling let down and uncertain about the future. One parent, Jo Foster, expressed her outrage, stating, "They've just left Year 11s in the dark and it's absolutely disgusting." The email further explained that the decision was influenced by the school's inability to secure Falling Rolls Funding due to the low number of post-16 students, a situation that the local authority deemed outside the funding's scope.
However, this explanation has not assuaged the concerns of the community. Rebecca Curley, a mother of three, who has one child already in the sixth form and two in the school, initiated a petition to save the sixth form. She shared her mixed emotions, saying, "A mix of emotions really. Disappointed and really sad for everyone involved." Curley also noted the irony of the situation, given the efforts of Perry to enhance the school's reputation.
The National Education Union's Steve Scott added to the chorus of disappointment, emphasizing the impact on teachers who have invested years in their students' education. He warned that the closure could lead to ongoing challenges if the sixth form's recruitment doesn't improve.
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council justified the decision, citing financial constraints and the unique composition of the current Year 11 cohort. Despite the temporary closure, the council assured that current Year 12 students would continue their studies as planned.
This development raises questions about the long-term sustainability of sixth form education in the region and the potential impact on students' future prospects. The school's response to the petition and further developments will be crucial in addressing the concerns of the community and determining the fate of the sixth form program.
