AN MP has called on the Government’s schools commissioner to assess the impact of proposed changes to the sixth form provision in Malvern.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called for the review.

Dyson Perrins Academy is consulting on proposals to stop teaching A-level subjects from September following a significant reduction in demand for places.

Mrs Baldwin has written to the regional schools commissioner, who oversees school academies, to ask what assessment he has made on what impact this could have on local schools.

Harriett said: “I’ve been briefed by the school about the declining number of children wanting to go on studying at A-level at Dyson Perrins.

“I am eager for there to be a formal assessment on what this decision may have on schools across the area.

“The regional schools commissioner has a responsibility to oversee our local academies and I have asked him to look into this issue and what can be done if Dyson Perrins does choose to close its sixth form.

“This is an important matter, especially for those directly impacted by the school’s proposals, and I am eager to understand what strategic plans the commissioner has to support the local network of schools if the changes go ahead.”

School head Mike Gunston said to parents in a letter dated February 10: “You may be aware that numbers in our sixth form are low and reducing for a number of years.

“A small sixth form poses a significant challenge to retain the breadth of courses that our students wish to study.

“There are a number of strong post-16 providers locally so we are confident that our students will be able to access the courses they wish to study.

“Students in year 12 and year 13 will continue as planned.”

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