The two-story school on Tapping Way in Warwick is shuttering its doors due to a “dearth of applications.” The exceptional news was announced on Thursday by head teacher Peter Gilbride. Such a closure would disrupt Year 11 pupils, posing an enormous obstacle for those trying to further their education.
As soon as interest began to wane and the school faced almost certain closure, they got out. Other schools in the region had already accepted applications months earlier, putting families in a bind. Unfortunately, too many of these impacted students are left without realistic options about their education moving forward.
Ms. McKenna, a music teacher at Philando’s school voiced her fears about what the announcement would mean. She called it “the icing on the cake,” a clear sign that she’s not happy with the way this has played out.
Pupils who have started a course in their first year of sixth form this year will not be impacted by the closure. The school is currently in discussions on possibilities with Myton School, Warwick. Myton School is looking to offer different types of courses to many of the Year 11s displaced. This collective impact approach seeks to ensure that these students have real, sustainable solutions in place for their future education.
In a joint statement issued after the closure announcement, Peter Gilbride underscored the school’s focus on transforming its sixth form. He stated, “Over the next year, we will relaunch and rebrand our Sixth Form in the hope of being able to run a viable Sixth Form in the future.” This initiative reflects a desire to reinvigorate interest in the school and retain students who may be considering other options.
Students have repeatedly expressed their anger that the notice of the closure came so late. One pupil remarked, “It seems really, really unfair. Especially after the applications for anywhere else in the area closed months ago.” Another student added, “There’s nothing they can do now, they’re having to scrabble around trying to find somewhere.” These feelings express the immediate desperation and heartbreak of individuals feeling the impact of the sudden change in policy.
The school feels like it’s preparing to close its doors already. Staff and students are helping to make real the hopeful alternative in a changing educational world. The collaborative work with Myton School is an important step in this direction. It prevents Year 11 students from losing access to critical resources and opportunities.
