Stourbridge College to scrap A-levels in major course shake-up
A Black Country college is to scrap A-levels as part of a shift towards more vocational courses.
Stourbridge College said A-levels would be phased out over the next 18 months.
It means A-levels in core subjects such as maths and English will no longer be offered at the college.
Current A-level students will not be affected by the changes, leaders said.
It marks a huge change in direction for one of the Black Country's major colleges, which normally welcomes hundreds of A-level students leaving school.
Bosses said the college, run by Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) would instead be aiming 'develop and grow its vocational education offer' as well as expanding its apprenticeship programme.
BMet will be creating a new A-level centre of excellence at Sutton Coldfield College as part of the shake-up.
Gill Coldicott, head of Stourbridge College, said: “During the next 18 months at Stourbridge College, we will be withdrawing A-levels and taking the opportunity to focus on our strengths, which are providing students with a wide range of great vocational courses that develop the skills that local and national employers want.
“We do understand there may be some concerns; the decision to consolidate our A-level offer and to phase-out A-levels at the college has not been taken lightly and was made after consultation with our own staff and students.
"We are doing all we can to provide the support and advice they need. As part of this there are two events at the college on Wednesday, March 7 and 14 at which students can discuss options with our team.
“The decision to focus on vocational courses means we will continue to develop strong and diverse vocational education at the wonderful, revitalised facilities at Stourbridge College.
“We believe that this will benefit our students and the employers we serve.”
