Sixth Form considers closure

A secondary school just outside of Exeter is considering closing its sixth form due to financial difficulties and declining enrolment, which could lead to longer commutes for students and potential job losses.

Clyst Vale Community College (CVCC) has announced a consultation on the proposal to close its sixth form, citing a 70 percent drop in student numbers over the past decade as the main reason for the decision.

CVCC currently offers A Level and BTEC courses to students aged 16 to 18. However, the school has struggled to compete with other institutions like Exeter College, which attracts many of its Year 11 graduates. In September 2013, the school's Year 12 class had 106 students, but this number dwindled to just 28 by September 2023. It is estimated that only 35 students will enrol in the sixth form this September, with 29 of them being existing students. These low numbers are causing significant strain on the school's ability to maintain a viable post-16 program.

In the consultation document, the school highlights the quality of its sixth form education, with experienced teachers providing excellent subject knowledge and pastoral care. However, the broader range of qualifications offered by Exeter College has led to a significant decline in students choosing Clyst Vale's sixth form. Currently, there are 26 students in Year 12 and 34 in Year 13, with average class sizes of just five students. The school offers 16 A Level or Level 3 qualifications in Year 12 and 20 in Year 13, along with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

National changes in the post-16 education landscape have made it increasingly difficult for smaller institutions like CVCC to offer the same breadth or specialization as larger schools and colleges. The introduction of T Levels and apprenticeships, which provide attractive vocational alternatives to traditional A Levels, has further compounded this issue. Clyst Vale lacks the infrastructure to offer these vocational courses, leading to increased competition from larger local colleges and a subsequent decline in enrolment.

The school proposes that current sixth form students be allowed to complete their studies, with September 2024 being the final intake. The sixth form would then officially close on August 31, 2026.

CVCC has provided a list of alternative schools and colleges for students seeking post-16 education starting in September 2025. This list includes The King's School in Ottery St Mary, Colyton Grammar School, Sidmouth College, Exeter College, and Bicton College.

"We understand that many of our current students and families will be disappointed with this proposal and recognise that students who may previously have accessed this provision may now incur transport costs to attend another provider," the school stated.

For current Year 10 students looking for post-16 options in September 2025, CVCC assures that there are sufficient places and a variety of options among other local post-16 providers that offer similar or more extensive programs than currently available at Clyst Vale Community College.