St Peter and St Paul Sixth Form Consultation

St Peter and St Paul Catholic Voluntary Academy Sixth Form is currently consulting on a proposal to close the Sixth Form on 31 July 2027, at the end of the 2026/27 academic year.

The final decison will be made by the Regional Director for the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE).

Current situation

Due to consistently low student numbers, closure is being considered for our Sixth Form. The school is committed to remaining sustainable and investing where is matters. By using resources differently, we can plan to give pupils in Years 7-11 more opportunities while continuing to provide excellent teaching across the school.

Our funding is based on pupil numbers. Currently, only around 24% of Year 11 pupils choose to continue into our Sixth Form. Even if all 112, Year 11 pupils stayed on for Sixth Form, it would still not be financially viable. We would need to recruit 129 pupils each year, which is significantly higher than current numbers.

Why are numbers so low?

There is a wide range of Post-16 options available locally, giving pupils more choice. This has contributed to fewer students choosing to stay on at our Sixth Form.

What does this mean for our students?

Closing the Sixth Form would allow us to redirect resources to strengthen opportunities for pupils in Years 7–11, while continuing to provide excellent teaching across the school.

All current sixth form students would be fully supported to complete their courses and achieve their qualifications.

Current Year 12 students would progress into Year 13 as planned.

Year 11 students wishing to join the sixth form in September 2026 could do so for Year 12, but there would be no Year 13 available for them in 2027. There will be a meeting with these students soon to inform them of the consultation and explain their options are if the Sixth Form is to close.

We are working closely with local providers to ensure a smooth progression for students if St Peter and St Paul Sixth Form closes. These include:

• The Priory Academy Sixth Form
• Lincoln College
• Riseholme College
• Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School Sixth Form
• Branston Community Academy Sixth Form
• RP6th
• North Kesteven Academy Sixth Form
• William Farr C of E Sixth Form

As part of the consultation, every student will receive clear, comprehensive advice and guidance to help them make the best next-step choices if needed.

What does this mean for staff?

We understand that this is a very difficult situation and not one that anyone would choose. It is important to be honest with all staff and to provide as much notice as possible. Any implications will be discussed further during the consultation process.

Consultation and what will happen next?

No final decision on the closure has yet been made. There will now be a full consultation process with all those affected by the proposal and the findings of this, will be considered as part of the final decision making.

We now want to hear your comments and welcome your feedback. Your input and suggestions are important in helping us to further understand the views of our students parents/carers, staff, governors and the local community.

Timeline

Consultation survey opens: 8 December 2025

Deadline for survey responses: 16 January 2025

Final decision: The Trust Board will meet to review the consultation and make a decision as to whether to apply to the Regional Director to close the Sixth Form.​

If a decision is made apply to the Regional Director, a Tier 1 application will be submitted.​

The Regional Director then makes the final decision which would be shared with the Board and all stakeholders.