Concern over Sixth Form’s future

St. Cuthbert's R.C. Business and Enterprise College

Consultation will begin in the next few weeks regarding the future of the Sixth Form at St Cuthbert’s Business and Enterprise College.

Students at the college have been notified about the possible closure of the Sixth Form and are now appealing for help to keep their Sixth Form open.

Student William Spillane posted this message on the Rochdale Online forum: “As of October 14 2010, we Sixth Form and Year 11 students at St. Cuthbert's Roman Catholic Business and Enterprise College were notified about the closure of our current A-Level education opportunities at our sixth form.

“This has been devastating news to both teachers and pupils not only with the closure but with loss of jobs and evidence for lower school pupils to continue in further education.

“The close community that we are, we desperately wish to keep our Sixth Form open.
“Many pupils at our school choose our sixth form as a place to continue education in a familiar environment along with already established teacher-pupil relationships which other colleges cannot offer.

“The current Year 11 will not have the opportunity to enrol in our sixth form meaning their only option for further education will be college. In addition to this throughout the whole school system we pride ourselves on Christian values and teachings, ensuring many of our students to help the community in various ways and maintain a fair and equal part in our society.”

Mr Spillane added: “We need your help. We will close unless we have the support of us and our surrounding community. We have the support of all our senior management staff and current Year 11 and Sixth Form students.

“We must keep our sixth form open and allow pupils to enrol in higher education.”

Angelica Fostinis added: “As a pupil in Y11 at St. Cuthbert's I was most shocked and disappointed when I found that I would no longer have the opportunity to become a part of our school's sixth Form.

“It was a huge shock for all. Our sixth form has produced some brilliant results, and I am not talking about exams.

“It ensures its pupils become caring and fantastic individuals and the Christian ethos provides a brilliant atmosphere for learning. It focuses on the student and ensures their welfare, on a one to one basis.

“St. Cuthbert's has been welcoming and generous to me in terms of education. I have enjoyed every minute and am now extremely disappointed to have lost out.”

Ms Fostinis added: “If we don't fight for what is ours then it is an utter shame. Losing the relationships between students and teachers, the friendship and care amongst learners and the positive learning environment is devastating and will affect local community.

“We have had our hearts set on attending our own sixth form and belonging to St. Cuthbert's close community. Why abolish such a rewarding sixth form?”

A council spokesperson said: “The Governing Body of St Cuthbert’s Business and Enterprise College has agreed to consult on the future of the Sixth Form at the school. That consultation will begin after half term, when letters will be sent to parents, staff and other interested parties. People will then be able to find out more and to put their views for the Governing Body to consider.”

The head teacher of St Cuthbert’s Business and Enterprise College, Dr Chris Meehan, declined to comment.