'Threw him into chaos' - Parents voice concern after year 12 intake paused at West Sussex academy

In a letter to parents and carers on March 24, Principal Sarah Pringle explained that the decision was ‘very difficult’ but was aimed at protecting standards and rebuilding a stronger sixth form offer for September 2027.

“Following a review of our current sixth form provision, and despite our excellent academic results, we have unfortunately not received enough applications to sustain a viable Year 12 cohort for September 2026,” the letter read.

"After careful consideration this sadly means we will be pausing entry into Year 12 for one year with a planned return in September 2027.”

Mrs Pringle reassured parents that the academy would support year 11 students affected by the change, helping them secure alternative post-16 pathways.

She wrote: "Our priority is to now ensure that every student in year 11 that did apply to attend the TLA sixth form moves onto the right pathway and is able to access the provision they need to succeed. We are fortunate that students in our community have access to a wide range of post-16 options locally. Therefore we will be supporting these students in their alternative applications.

“Our careers team is prepared and ready to work with students to provide guidance, support with applications, and clear next steps. We will ensure every student has a suitable and ambitious pathway in place.”

Current year 12 students will continue their courses as planned, with ongoing support for university admissions and post-A-level progression.

The announcement has raised concerns among parents, many of whom say the timing has added stress during a crucial period.

Gemma Shrubb said: “My son has been affected, he has got a few interviews for Chichester college but still secured anything, it’s a very worrying time, especially so close to their GCSEs.

"They haven’t had any opportunity to attend open days. They definitely knew about the numbers before now, so why not give some warning to encourage students to have a plan B ready? Very disappointing.”

Teresa Williams also expressed her concern on social media. She wrote: “My son was affected and not the stress he needed just a few weeks away from sitting his GCSEs. Thankfully he's now secured a last minute place at Chichester College but TLA surely knew about the under-subscribed numbers months ago when applications went in.”

Speaking further to this paper, she added: “My son came home really upset, saying he had lost his place at the sixth form. He’s a prefect at the school and everything seemed fine, but this completely threw him into chaos.

"He just studied for GCSEs and he had his heart set for his next pathway. That suddenly changed overnight. It caused so much anxiety and upset, that children don't need at that kind of age, at such crucial time in their sort of education.

“It was quick thinking by him to get into Chichester College. He'd got called into a sixth form meeting and it was incredibly stressful, and obviously for him.

"He wants to go into the RAF, so he knew he needed to get three A levels. He was really happy that that was the way things were going to go for the next couple of years, and he was going to be settled.

“Since the news, he's really had to think about what he can do in Chichester. Thankfully, he has found something that's still helping to get the career he wants.”

The academy has offered parents and students additional guidance via its sixth form team at [email protected].