A SIXTH FORM that has just eight students could be set to close.

University Academy Warrington is currently consulting parents, students and staff on a proposal to not recruit new sixth form students starting from September 2017.

If the proposal is agreed the sixth form will shut its doors for the final time at the end of August 2017.

While the average school sixth form has over 200 students, University Academy currently has just eight – with no year 12 pupils.

The Insall Road sixth form has never had more than 72 pupils since it was established in January 2013.

University Academy principal Misia Barclay and the chair of the Statement of Action Committee Andy Wilson released a joint statement in consultation documents.

The statement said: “The future of school sixth forms has been highlighted in the media for some time – particularly in the light of recent changes in the way post 16 students are funded in schools and colleges.

“The funding has gradually declined over the last two years and this had particular impact on small sixth forms.

“The department of education recognises that sixth forms with less than 200 students are at risk of not being viable financially.

“Given these numbers we have regretfully come to the conclusion that we are unable to provide the breadth of courses, including a wide range of vocational and A Level subjects, that sixth form students need.

“The current numbers are too small to produce courses that are viable educationally and economically at University Academy Warrington.

“In reaching the decision to consult on the future of the sixth form governors want the best options and learning experiences for our students and have concluded that closure is the right option.

“Changing the age range from 11-18 to 11-16 will allow resources to be focused on improving the learning experiences and outcomes for years 7-11 in the main academy.

“Our aim is to become an outstanding 11-16 academy and to do so we believe that we must concentrate our energies and expertise on that age range.”

The consultation will run until January 4 2016 to allow parents, students, staff and other stakeholders an opportunity to have their say on the proposals.

Open surgeries will take place at University Academy in Padgate on Monday November 23 at 5pm, Wednesday December 2 at 1pm and Friday December 11 at 9am – representatives from the University of Chester Academies Trust and University Academy staff will be available to answer questions on a one-to-one basis A spokesperson from Warrington Borough Council said: “The council is not part of the decision making process – this is managed by the academy sponsor.

“However the council is part of the consultation process and has an opportunity to offer a view regarding the impact of closure on students and the community.”