Sixth form closure is “a sad day for Wardle”

Wardle High School’s Sixth Form will close.
 
Councillors at a Cabinet meeting held this evening (Thursday 3 March 2011) approved the closure.
 
The reason for the closure was explained in the report presented to Councillors, it read: “The reason that the Governing Body has considered and published this Statutory Proposal is that post-16 student numbers in the school have significantly declined following the establishment of the Rochdale Sixth Form College.
 
“The governors point to changes in the arrangements for post-16 funding and commissioning which mean that the school could not afford to maintain the lower level of sixth form numbers and provide post 16 students with a broad and balanced curriculum.”
 
There will be no new intake this September but existing students will be able to complete their programmes of study.
 
The report adds: “From September there are sufficient places at Rochdale Sixth Form College and other post-16 providers for those year 11 students who would want to continue in full-time education.”
 
A letter sent out by the school’s head teacher, Graham Wright, at the time of consultation, said: “Personally I am very saddened by the situation.”
 
Mr Wright continued: “Once again this year we are at the top of the academic tree when it comes to comparing our results with all of the Rochdale sixth forms and colleges.
 
“We offer a small supporting sixth form that caters for all students at Level 3 (A Level) including those with additional needs.
 
“We provide a sixth form alternative in the community. Nonetheless the student are voting with their feet and choosing alternative provision in Oldham, Bury and Rochdale.”
 
The school received objections to the consultation from parents, the objections centred around travel and the problems travelling further away could cause.

Speaking at tonight’s meeting; Councillor Ashley Dearnley who worked tirelessly for the sixth form to be opened in the first place said he supported the decision with “reluctance” because he “understands” the reasons why it has to be done.

He added: “It has served people in Wardle really well over the years but times have changed. I am sad to see it go but I accept why."

Smallbridge and Firgrove Councillor Jean Ashworth added: “This is a sad day for Wardle and the surrounding area but times have moved on.”

The cabinet member for children, schools and families, Councillor Surinder Biant echoed the thoughts of Councillor Dearnley and Councillor Ashworth.