A-Level subjects 'paused' at school and won't be available from September
Low take-up has been blamed for the decision not to run a number of key stage five courses at a comprehensive school in Monmouthshire
Chepstow School, which has cancelled a number of its key stage five courses for the coming academic year over financial concerns
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service )
A-Level geography and other sixth form courses at Chepstow School in Monmouthshire have been "paused" due to "low take-up". The school, facing a "significant deficit", will not offer some key stage five courses from September.
Councillor Laura Wright, Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet member for education, explained that funding for post-16 education is influenced by the number of pupils enrolled aged 11 to 16 as well as the availability of post-16 options in nearby areas of Wales and England.
Cllr Wright said that the headteacher at Chepstow School Kelly Waythe had informed parents and students about the need to "pause" certain courses "as early as possible".
She acknowledged the school's financial struggles, stating: "The school is in a significant financial deficit at the moment and it means unfortunately it is not economical to run those courses with very low numbers and every course has a detrimental impact on the whole school budget.
"But on a more positive note the school is going to retain the skills to teach the courses as pupil numbers increase and it is the intention of the school to restore the courses as soon as possible."
Conservative councillor Rachel Buckler, who requested a statement on the variety of subjects available at key stage five, expressed her concern over the discontinuation of A-level geography among other affected subjects.
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The Devauden councillor said geography had been included in the school's prospectus with students only informed of its removal after they had submitted their subject choices.
Cllr Buckler believed geography to be a "common choice" among pupils, noting its status as a "facilitating subject" recognised by Russell Group universities.
She questioned Cllr Wright on the implications for academic diversity and ambition, suggesting that the lack of geography could lead to students leaving Monmouthshire potentially for education institutions in England.
Cllr Wright responded that decisions regarding subject offerings are made by headteachers and governors.
She said she would discuss Cllr Buckler's concerns with Chepstow's headteacher at an upcoming meeting and relay any outcomes back.
Monmouthshire is also involved in the e-sgol online learning initiative which connects its four secondary schools to provide courses in computer science, Welsh second language, and Spanish, subjects that typically attract fewer students at each individual school.
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