A BARROW school's struggling sixth form has been earmarked for closure.

Chetwynde School's governing body has voted unanimously with "very heavy hearts" to start the process of ending its Key Stage Five sixth form provision.

Governors of the all-through school said despite having excellent A- Level teaching and results, "the school has increasingly struggled to retain pupils for its sixth form provision."

If the sixth form was to close it would be from July 2017.

Chair of Governors Simon Mardel said the school has started a four week consultation period involving stakeholders, staff, sixth form students, Year 11 pupils and parents.

The Department for Education expects the board to build the financial case for discontinuance, to take on board the views of all stakeholders. Chetwynde must also ensure as a priority the smooth transition of any pupils who would then need alternative sixth form provision.

Sixth Form and Key Stage Four parents will be invited to a meeting at the school.

In a statement the governing body said: “Even during its years as an independent school, and despite the excellent A-Level teaching and results achieved each year, the school has increasingly struggled to retain pupils for its sixth form provision. Often when a pupil reaches the age of 16 they want to explore the wider world and feel adult enough to make their own choices and decisions. The enticement of being able to spread their wings and experience something new or bigger, or having a wider choice of A-Level and vocation-based subjects available to them elsewhere has been something the school has increasingly found itself unable to compete with.

"Since becoming a Free School Chetwynde has remained a wonderful, vibrant and truly special all-through school which is a joy to be part of, with talented and dedicated teachers, staff and pupils. It is with very heavy hearts the governors have had to start this consultation process which may well result in the closure of the Sixth Form. However, we must focus on the common good and long-term sustainability. The guaranteed and continuing provision of an excellent first-class education has to remain our number one priority.

"The decision to begin a consultation process involving all stakeholders will have as its priority the smooth transition of pupils. If the Governing Body’s decision is ratified by the Secretary of State, then this will mean a much fairer distribution of resources within our school that will further strengthen all the Key Stages. Sixth Forms throughout the country

face a particular challenge in maintaining choice combined with quality of curriculum and financial sustainability."