Sixth form may close over 'declining pupil numbers'

Only 35 students signed up for Ormskirk School's sixth form this year

A Lancashire school could close its sixth form due to "declining pupil numbers", the trust which runs it has said.

Endeavour Learning said it was consulting on the proposal for Ormskirk School after only 35 students signed up for a place at the sixth form last month and its operation was "becoming unviable".

A spokesman said "it is not a decision we are considering lightly", adding if the closure does go ahead, all the current students would be supported through their studies, with the last students leaving in July 2027.

The school, on Wigan Road, said it was keen to hear the views of pupils, parents and the wider community in Ormskirk.

'Demand consistently low'

In a statement, the school said: "Despite significant investment including refurbishment of the sixth form common area and a full rebranding, demand for places has remained consistently low.

"National pressures in school funding have made it increasingly challenging to continue operating in a sustainable and viable way.

"This risks limiting the opportunities we can offer to our younger students."

The trust said other sixth form providers in the area "are able to offer a broader curriculum and a wider range of enrichment opportunities than we can currently provide".

It added: "By taking this decision, we believe that Ormskirk School will be in a stronger position to focus its resources on the continued development of provision for students in years 7 to 11."