St Mary’s Catholic College

Consultation on the Future of Sixth Form Provision

Consultation period: 21 September – 12 October 2026

We want to hear your views

St Mary’s Catholic College and the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust are consulting on a proposal to close the school’s Sixth Form provision from September 2027.

No final decision has been made. We are seeking the views of parents and carers, students, staff and other stakeholders before a final decision is taken.

Options paper

What is being proposed?

Close Sixth Form provision at St Mary’s Catholic College from September 2027.

This is currently a proposal, not a final decision.

The Trust has considered two options:

Option A

Close the Sixth Form from September 2027

Option B

Retain a smaller, BTEC-focused Sixth Form

The options paper recommends Option A, principally because the Trust considers that reducing the Sixth Form would not sufficiently address the underlying issues of low numbers and financial inefficiency.

4. What would closure mean for students?

This is an important section because parents will immediately want to know: “What happens to my child?”

If the proposal proceeds

Students who wish to continue their education after Year 11 would be supported to identify and apply to suitable alternative post-16 providers.

The school proposes to provide:

• individual careers and progression guidance;
• support identifying appropriate local providers;
• enhanced transition support;
• liaison with receiving providers;
• additional support for students with SEND;
• continuity of support for students with EHCPs;
• monitoring of post-16 destinations and retention.

These measures reflect the mitigation actions identified in the Equality Impact Assessment.

Equality and inclusion

We recognise that closure may affect some students differently

The Equality Impact Assessment identifies potential impacts particularly for:

Students with SEND
Some students may find moving from a familiar environment more challenging.

Disadvantaged students
There may be additional barriers associated with accessing alternative provision.

Students seeking Catholic post-16 education
Families may have concerns about continuing faith-based education.

The school has identified mitigation measures including individual transition planning, liaison with receiving providers, targeted family engagement and identification of faith-based pathways.

Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the Sixth Form being considered for closure?

Because student numbers have declined significantly, resulting in small cohorts and challenges around curriculum breadth, staffing efficiency and financial sustainability.

Why not simply reduce the Sixth Form?

The Trust has considered a smaller BTEC-focused model. However, the options paper identifies significant risks that even a reduced model could remain financially inefficient and could ultimately require closure in the future.

When would closure take place?

The proposal is for Sixth Form provision to close from September 2027.

What happens to current Sixth Form students?

Current Year 13 students will continue with their existing subject choices as normal

What happens to Year 11 students who were hoping to stay at SMCC?

They would receive guidance and support regarding alternative post-16 providers.

Will students with SEND receive additional support?

Yes. Individual transition planning, liaison with receiving providers and continuity of EHCP provision are specifically identified as mitigation measures.

Why can’t the Sixth Form remain because it is important to the school’s Catholic identity?

The Equality Impact Assessment recognises the importance of faith-based provision and proposes engagement with the Diocese and identification of Catholic post-16 pathways where available.