Following the completion of the formal consultation process, the Trust Board has now confirmed that Duke’s Sixth Form will close at the end of the academic year 2025–26.

This decision follows a sustained decline in student numbers, with cohorts significantly below Department for Education guidance for viable sixth form provision. While Duke’s Sixth Form has achieved strong outcomes and benefited from dedicated staff, low enrolment and small class sizes have made it increasingly difficult to sustain a broad and financially viable offer.

High-quality alternative post-16 providers have been sourced, and we will work closely with students and families to ensure smooth transitions from September 2026.

We thank our Sixth Form staff for their commitment and the positive impact they have had on students over many years. We would also like to thank our students, parents and carers for their patience and understanding throughout the consultation process and during this period of change.