Parents angry after Wellington Academy makes last-minute decision over Year 12 places

Parents in Tidworth and the surrounding Wiltshire area have spoken of their shock and disappointment after Wellington Academy announced that it would not enrol new Year 12 students for the coming academic year.

The decision was announced just days before the start of the new school year, despite students having already received offers and attended an induction day.

The academy, in Tidworth, told parents that it was "not viable" to enrol new Year 12 students when the new academic year begins on 4 September.

The announcement has left some families scrambling to find alternative post-16 education places.

One parent, whose 17-year-old daughter had accepted a place at the academy, said she was left in a state of "absolute shock and a bit of panic" after receiving the news.

Her daughter had originally accepted a place at another local sixth form but withdrew after visiting Wellington Academy and being told in July that she definitely had a place.

The family had already made plans around the new school, making the late change particularly difficult.

The parent said her daughter had been "really looking forward" to starting at Wellington Academy and described the timing of the announcement as extremely stressful.

Another parent from Ludgershall said the decision was "appalling", explaining that her son had planned to remain at the academy for another two years and was involved with its cadet force.

She said her son was "heartbroken" after suddenly being told that his plans had changed.

The family had attended results day the previous week and spoken with sixth-form leaders about the subjects he could study before the decision was announced.

The academy's letter to parents, signed by headteacher Hannah Whitaker, said the leadership team and the central trust executive team had reached the decision following careful consideration.

The letter apologised for the uncertainty caused to students and families.

It said the academy did not believe it would be able to provide the breadth of courses, opportunities and overall sixth form experience that students deserved.

The school is operated by Ascend Learning Trust, which has been approached for comment.

Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for Education and Skills, Councillor Jon Hubbard, said he recognised the difficult news faced by students and families.

He said there were a range of post-16 education and training opportunities available across Wiltshire and advised affected students to speak to their school for guidance.

The council's Post-16 Skills and Participation Team is also available to provide information and practical support to students deciding on their next steps.

With the new academic year due to begin on 4 September, affected families now have only a short period to arrange alternative sixth-form or college places.

The situation has raised questions among parents about why the decision was made so close to the start of term, particularly after students had received offers and attended induction activities.