Madeley Academy has been granted permission to run sixth form courses from September by the Minister for Schools and Learners, Vernon Coaker, making the academy one of the first in south Telford to have a sixth form.
However, disappointed youngsters currently attending the school will not be able to make use of the further education provision – due to lack of facilities on site.
Academy head teacher, Mr Vic Maher, said the brand new school does not have the building facilities to accommodate a sixth form centre.
Mr Maher said: “Although we have permission to run a sixth form starting in September we don’t have the facilities to run it.
“The school design is for 11 to 16 year olds.
“What is needed is an extension to increase accommodation for a sixth form in 2011.
“It is a huge disappointment for our children because they desperately want to study with us.
In order to continue their studies in September, current Year 11 students will have to move to other sixth forms in the borough, such as those at Thomas Telford School and Burton Borough in Newport.
Mr Maher did however acknowledge that granting of sixth form status was a good thing for the current year 10s who would be able to benefit from it in the future.
Councillor Stephen Burrell, Telford & Wrekin cabinet member for children and young people, said when putting together original plans it was felt there were enough places for post 16s. But there had since been a government announcement that extra provision should be made for pupils to stay in education or training until they are 18.
Councillor Burrell said: “To accommodate that, we have identified extra post 16 places at Madeley Academy, Abraham Darby Sports and Learning Community, the new Lakeside Sports and Learning Community, Burton Borough School and the new Priorslee Sports and Learning Community.
“The work on the post 16 provision at Madeley Academy will actually start a year earlier because of the extremely positive close co-operation that has been ongoing between Telford & Wrekin Council and Madeley Academy.”
The MP for South Telford, David Wright, told the Journal: “I am really pleased it looks like we are going to have two sixth forms in South Telford.
“Madeley Academy is a fantastic facility and I am confident that everybody involved will be able to work together to make this happen as soon as possible.”
