Bridgnorth sixth form: New attempt to continue town's provision

Bridgnorth's current sixth form provision at Oldbury Wells school is due to close

Threatened sixth-form provision in Bridgnorth could be saved in a partnership with Telford College.

The college is in discussion with the town's two secondary schools, Oldbury Wells and Bridgnorth Endowed.

Oldbury Wells plans to close its sixth form in 2025 while Bridgnorth Endowed has already closed its provision.

College principal Graham Guest said it was a "great opportunity to work with two excellent schools".

College principal Graham Guest said the plan would build on collaborations with other schools

Oldbury Wells head Lee Tristham said he was "thrilled" at the possibilities. He added that the scheme had "the potential to offer a much wider and broader offer for the town".

Mr Tristham told parents the school is pushing ahead with the planned closure, and expects the Department for Education to reach its conclusion by the end of the year. A consultation into the closure found concerns about transport, especially for students in rural areas who would face "potential increased complexity and cost" getting to colleges.

Telford is about 14 miles (22.5km) away from Bridgnorth.

Bridgnorth Endowed took the decision to close its sixth form five years ago, saying at the time that most students preferred to continue their education in other towns like Shrewsbury and Stourbridge.

Its head Michael Penn said the latest plan could "support young people and their families directly within the community".

Telford College launched plans to develop sixth form services in its home town earlier this month

Telford College has already announced plans to develop sixth form provision in the town's Station Quarter development. The new A-level centre, featuring several brand new courses, is due to be open from September 2025.

The college said it would allow it to develop both its A-level provision and make more space for engineering, automotive and construction courses at its Haybridge campus.