Sixth form could close over falling numbers

A road showing yellow zig zap lines in front of black and white waist-high barriers with red lights on. Behind is a long grey gate surrounded by green bushes leading to the school. Holderness Academy is in the distance with a car park to the left. Two big green trees are in front of the school.Image source, Google
Image caption,

Holderness Academy has no Year 12 students

  • Published

A school has announced plans to close its sixth form due to falling student numbers.

In a letter to parents, Holderness Academy, near Hull, said there are no Year 12 students this academic year. There are only 12 students in Year 13.

Leaders said the provision could close in September 2025, pending the outcome of a four-week consultation.

The BBC has contacted The Consortium Academy Trust, which runs the school, for comment.

In the correspondence, leaders said the decision to begin the consultation "had not been taken lightly" and followed a "comprehensive review" by the trust.

It said the projected costs of continuing with a sixth form would have a "negative financial impact on educational provision for all of our students".

All responses received during the consultation period would be "seriously considered" prior to a business case for closure being submitted to the Department for Education to consider, states the letter.

The majority of Year 11 students had opted out of attending the sixth form, said the school.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here, external.