Academy closure a 'major blow to young people'

The Skills Academy, at Billingham, says it aims to teach youngsters in a "calm and caring" environment

Closing an education service for teenagers would damage provision for "vulnerable learners" and threaten jobs, a union has warned.

The Skills Academy, in Billingham, Teesside, is set to shut its doors this week and switch its services to Stockton Riverside College, at Thornaby, in September.

The University and College Union (UCU) is urging bosses to reconsider.

The Education Training Collective (Etc.), a group of colleges and training providers which includes the academy, said "extensive plans have been put in place" to enable youngsters to continue their studies at Thornaby.

With courses for school leavers as well as alternative provision for 14 to 16-year-olds, the Billingham site aims to help young people build their self-esteem and learn a range of skills.

The father of one pupil said the announcement had come as a shock and that he was worried his daughter's progress would be affected having previously moved from a larger school where she suffered anxiety and was bullied.

'Damaging proposal'

Echoing that view, UCU claimed the academy's closure "would be a major blow to young people who cannot thrive in mainstream education".

General secretary Jo Grady said: "This is a short-sighted and damaging proposal which will serve to damage the group's reputation, take a lifeline away from the most vulnerable learners and families, and threaten the livelihoods of our members.

"Skills Academy is a vital and transformative educational experience for young people often disengaged from mainstream education within the Tees Valley region.

"There has been a lack of transparency from Etc. throughout this process, we now implore it to reconsider its position, protect jobs, and preserve the current learning environment, which allows young people to succeed."

'No loss of places'

Etc. said eight jobs were at risk but that "10 potential opportunities for redeployment have been shared with the individuals affected".

A consultation on the site's closure, that will run for 10 working days, is under way.

A spokesperson added: "The Etc. is bound by its governance, as a publicly funded organisation, to consistently review effective spend balanced with ensuring provision meets the needs of its communities.

"While the Skills Academy building is proposed to close, the provision itself will not cease.

"Extensive plans have been put in place to ensure that the provision of education for 14-16 year olds, and a small number of 16-18 years who use this service, will relocate and that these learners can access outstanding education in industry-standard facilities at Stockton Riverside College.

"There will be no loss to the number of learner places as a result of this proposal."