Thanks to Peter Thompson from Isle of Wight College for this clarification on changes planned at the F6rm College.
He confirmed that the building will still continue to be used by the College once all the A-Level pupils had completed their courses.
Students who were due to join this year are being given one-on-one advice of other options available on the Island. Those who have completed their first (AS) year, will able to continue at the college to complete their second year (A2), Peter Thompson told OnTheWight – Ed
For the last five years, The Isle of Wight College has developed its A-level Centre to provide high quality A-level courses for the Island’s 16-19 year olds.
This year’s results have been excellent – 99% Pass rate in 2014/15; 15.5% being A*/A – and the vast majority of students will be progressing to study a degree, take an apprenticeship or enter employment. Over 170 students will be progressing to Higher Education from the College this year; our highest number ever.
Ceasing A-Level recruitment from September
However, informed by the recent review of the Island’s secondary school provision, population forecasts for the Island and new government policies for the further development of vocational education and apprenticeships, the College has made the decision to cease recruitment to A-levels from September 2015.
This will reduce the level of duplication of A-level courses locally, allowing other providers to offer the wide range of subjects needed to guarantee effective and successful progression for their students.
Focus on vocational courses
The College will now focus its development on vocational courses, including A-level equivalents, thus providing the island’s 16-19 year old students with a greater choice of courses and routes to employment or university.
Chair of Governors, Peter Conway, explained the decision:
“The College established its 6th Form over five years ago. Since then, more island schools are offering A-levels and we believe the extent of A-level provision across the island is more than sufficient to meet all student needs. We are immensely proud of the College’s A-level students’ achievements, but the Board has to look to the future.”
He added.
“The days when academic qualifications were the only route to good jobs and university are past. Our new investments in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence for Composites, Marine and Advanced Manufacture at Whippingham, provide immensely valuable and exciting opportunities for College students.
“Working closely with key industries and employers, the College’s courses will continue to provide opportunities for students at all levels, helping them to prepare for work or further study at university or elsewhere.”
Update 14:22 Added some further explanation to the top of the article.
