Sixth-form closure verdict shelved

A DECISION on whether to close the sixth form at Okehampton College because of a dwindling intake of students has been deferred until December while it “redoubles efforts” to recruit more.

- ALISON STEPHENSON

Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust is allowing additional time to boost recruitment after an “in depth” consultation with parents, carers and the wider community.

At a public meeting last month principal Gareth Smith said only 12 students had signed up for September from a cohort of 200.

Numbers had reduced over a number of years with the reintroduction of the rail passenger service making it easier to get from Okehampton to Exeter College cited as one of the reasons.

In a statement the trust, which runs the college, said it had received more than 50 written contributions, held a well-attended public consultation evening and engaged in further conversations with key local stakeholders to gather a broad range of views.

A parent and student survey was also conducted to gain additional insight into local families intentions and preferences for post-16 choices, helping to inform the school’s future planning for the provision.