A consultation is under way with parents and students to help shape the future of post-16 education in Bridgnorth.
Telford College is collaborating with Oldbury Wells and Bridgnorth Endowed schools to explore ways of sustaining a sixth form provision in the town.
Oldbury Wells is currently the only school in Bridgnorth offering sixth-form courses – but will close its current service at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.
Staff from Telford College and the two secondary schools have already met with parents and students to discuss the plans, saying it generated ‘good conversations and some nice feedback’.
Now a follow-up consultation survey has been issued to students, their parents and guardians to find out more about what they feel the potential curriculum should include.
It asks a series of questions, including the kind of skills which people would find most beneficial for their careers, and specific subject areas they would like to see delivered.
The survey also asks what qualities people in Bridgnorth look for when selecting an education provider.
As well as sixth form courses, Telford College is also exploring whether it can introduce a range of other programmes for adults at Oldbury Wells in response to community interest.
The partners say the aim of the survey is to understand what is required by the community, to better understand the demand for learning programmes in the area and explore how these can be delivered.
The survey closes on Friday February 23 and Telford College will evaluate the results before deciding on the next steps in the collaboration.
Oldbury Wells School head Lee Tristham said initial feedback to the Telford College collaboration been extremely positive, and people were now keen to know more of the detail.
“Everyone was excited to be able to focus on future provision within the town which would offer an exciting option for young people and families across the community.”
Bridgnorth Endowed head Michael Penn added: “Ensuring sixth form provision and a wider educational provision within Bridgnorth is essential to provide choice and career prospects for all of our young people.”
Telford College deputy chief executive Janet Stephens said: “The college already plays a pivotal role in providing students with pathways to exciting career prospects and higher education opportunities.
“Each academic year, we engage with over 2,000 young people through college-based programs, over 500 apprentices, and more than 2,000 adult learners.
“We are proud of our 100% pass rate for many of our A levels, alongside our diverse range of available subjects, and the establishment of ‘Employer Hubs’ fostering partnerships with key employers.
“We also offer further areas of support such as financial, careers advice and learning development. So we are ideally placed to work with both schools to find a solution to the challenges of maintaining sixth form education courses in the Bridgnorth area.”
Pictured above: Janet Stephens, Michael Penn, Telford College chief executive Graham Guest, and Lee Tristham
