Parents have slammed an education trust's announcement to scrap A-levels at a Norfolk sixth form just weeks after sending acceptance letters.
The shock news that Sheringham Sixth Form would not be running any Year 12 A-level courses from September 2026 has sparked outrage by parents across north Norfolk.
Synergy Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), which runs the school, announced the decision in an email sent out to the parents and children of Sheringham High School yesterday.
However, for Year 11 pupils currently attending other secondary schools but who had been accepted in the sixth form's 2026 cohort, it was not until today that they received the email too.
One parent, whose child goes to Cromer High School, said: "We heard nothing from Sheringham but my son's school rang to tell us.
"There was no warning - it has been really badly managed.
"My son was really upset as that was where he had wanted to go."
The students were told the news as they already face the pressure of their GCSE mock exams, which she said has created extra stress, and just weeks after acceptance letters had been sent out.
The trust has said the students will be able to transfer their application to Reepham College, where transport will be provided following a route with stops at Cromer, Sheringham and Holt.
The parent, who does not want to be named, added: "To offer them places then just move them to another school is just unfair.
"It doesn't seem like they have thought about the kids. Also, how much space does Reepham have?"
Charlotte Brown, whose child goes to Sheringham High School, said she found out on social media before the school had announced it to its pupils.
She said: "I am very disappointed and it is disgusting they have left it this late - they must have known about the decline in numbers.
"The kids should have known months ago or given some sort of notice as applications for other colleges are now closed."
Ms Brown was concerned for where her son may now go because Reepham does not offer the subjects he had wanted to do.
North Norfolk MP Steffan Aquarone has raised concerns regarding the trust's plans for the sixth form.
He said in a post online: "I'm very concerned by proposals that would see A-level provision end at Sheringham Sixth Form.
"I'm meeting with the CEO of the Synergy Trust early next week to speak about it, and press for student and impacted families' voices to be heard."
THE TRUST'S POSITION
In an original email sent to parents by Alastair Ogle, the Trust’s chief executive officer, it said a sixth form needs at least 100 students per year to be "financially viable" under Department of Education guidance.
But this year, the sixth form said only 50 students were projected to join for the 2026 cohort which led to the decision to close it down.
In a statement by the Trust to this paper, it said: “Many schools and trusts are facing significant challenges due to increasing costs and a decline in the number of pupils in Norfolk, which is set to continue for at least the next five years.
"This picture is not unique to Synergy and is mirrored in schools across the county.
"Options include reductions in staffing, alterations to management structures and reducing non staff costs wherever possible.
"We understand these changes may cause concern for staff, parents and pupils but our focus is on ensuring we continue to provide excellent teaching and learning across all Synergy schools."
Current Year 13 students at the sixth form will continue their studies as planned and will not be impacted by these changes.
The sixth form will continue to run the Year 12 motor vehicle studies course and health and social care course from September, subject to a suitable number of applicants.
The trust also aims to develop a Centre of Vocational Excellence at Sheringham Sixth Form in line with the Government’s new curriculum, which will be implemented from September 2028.
The news comes at the same time Synergy Multi-Academy Trust announced its plans to shut Corpusty Primary School, based between Aylsham and Holt, and merge it with other sites.
A letter that was sent to parents outlines a consultation to amalgamate the school with either Reepham Primary five-and-a-half miles away or Gresham Village School more than seven miles away.
