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.
The table below outlines the cost of running lessons vs the income received per pupil. For 2025/26, we are currently running at a loss of £335,302 (-6.28%).
| Sixth Form | 2025/26 |
| Taught periods per week | 159 |
| Annual cost of a taught period | £4,361 |
| Total annual cost (periods x cost) | £693,399 |
| Post-16 income | £358,097 |
| Surplus/ (Deficit) | -£335,302 |
| Surplus/ (Deficit) as a % of total income | -6.28% |
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 2026
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.
If you would like any further information or would like to send some other feedback in addition to the survey, please email: sixthformconsultation@sspp.lincs.sch.uk
Q1: Why is the Trust proposing to close the Sixth Form at SSPP?
A: The closure proposal is driven by consistently low student numbers and rising costs that make the Sixth Form financially unsustainable. Only around 22–24% of Year 11 pupils continue into Year 12 – well below the threshold needed for viability.
Q2: What do the current numbers and funding tell us?
A: Over the past six years, even if all (approximately 112) Year 11 pupils had progressed into Sixth Form, it would still not have been financially viable. For sustainability, around 129 students are required each year (117 to breakeven) —significantly higher than current levels. In reality:
- Year 12 entries have ranged from just 22 to 32 students.
- Year 13 numbers have been between 26 and 36 students, with total Sixth Form enrolment consistently between 53 and 64 students annually.
Q3: How does low recruitment translate into financial impact?
A: The Sixth Form is currently operating at a significant financial deficit. On average each student in the Sixth Form attracts £5,968 of funding per year for the school. The cost of delivering the Sixth Form curriculum is £693,400 per year. On this basis St Peter and St Paul would need 117 students across years 12 and 13 to breakeven. Currently there are 53 students in the Sixth Form (down from 60 in 2024/25). The DfE fund the school based on the prior year student numbers, therefore the Sixth Form is currently operating with an annual deficit of approximately £335,000.
Q4: Why was investment made in refurbishment if closure was on the horizon?
A: The aim of the refurbishment was to a) improve facilities and b) boost enrolment. However, despite the better environment and investment, recruitment has not increased to the level needed for long-term sustainability.
Q5: Could alternative models (like combined years or curriculum tweaks) have worked?
A: Alternative models—such as combining teaching for Year 12 and Year 13 or adjusting the curriculum—were considered. Yet even with these changes, projected enrolment remained far below the 129-student threshold, meaning the annual funding gap would persist, and costs would outweigh income.
Q6: What support will be offered to students affected by the closure?
A: Dedicated guidance will be provided to help students secure places at alternative Sixth Forms or colleges. We will also offer pastoral support to ensure students feel supported during this transition.
Q7: How will staff and resources be managed?
A: Resources currently allocated to the Sixth Form will be rebalanced to strengthen Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 offerings. We aim is to manage any staffing implications fairly.
Q8: Why is the closure being proposed in 2027, not sooner?
A: This timeline allows current Year 12 students to complete their studies and aligns transition support for incoming Year 11s choosing Year 12 in 2026.
If approved, closure is planned for 31 July 2027—giving students and staff appropriate notice and time to plan.
Q9: Why can’t the Sixth Form remain open for the current Year 11 students?
A: We understand the stress this causes for Year 11 students. We are exploring transitional arrangements, but financial constraints mean it cannot commit to two full years of provision without significant risk to the school’s overall stability.
Q10: How will this affect future Year 7 intake and the school’s long-term viability?
A: We recognise concerns that removing Sixth Form may impact Year 7 recruitment. We will strengthen marketing and communication to reassure families about the quality of education for Years 7–11.
Q11: What other savings are being made across the Trust?
A: The Trust Board are committed to reviewing costs across all schools and central operations to ensure financial efficiency. Significant savings have already been realised across schools and the central team.
Q12: How does this fit with the school and Trust’s mission and vision?
A: We remain dedicated to delivering the “very best Catholic education.” By redirecting financial and human resources to Years 7–11 – where most of our students are – we believe we can maintain and enhance educational quality sustainably. Although this is a difficult decision, it aligns with a broader strategy to safeguard long-term provision and mission-aligned excellence.